Bleach, Digimon 1. Demon Meets Girl

_He is a monster!_

_He does not deserve to live among us!_

_With powers in the palms of a newborn, it will bring absolutes destruction of the Five realms!_

_Then we have come to an agreement. Captain Kurotstchi, your experiment must-!_

**KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!**

A groan roared. "Five more minutes", came the murmur of an exhausted sleeper inside the dark room.

"Wake up, Akuma! Lord Myotismon ordered for your presence", came the annoyed voice beyond the door.

"Tell him to go to hell; I'm tired, dammit!"

A frustrated sigh came after. "I cannot see why Lord Myotismon would want you as his bodyguard when all you do is sleep all day."

"That's right, you bastard. _All day_. Meaning I'm more active at night, and so is Lord Dracula!" The one named Akuma shifted on his bed. "What does he want?"

"I am only relaying the message. If you must know then dress yourself up and go to him." Akuma grumbled a few more curses until he moved slowly from his bed. His short brown hair became a spiky mess. His dark eyes looked around the small broom closet he called his bedroom. He never complain about the size. It's enough room and it's pretty much dark. The perfect place to sleep.

"Tell him I'll be there in three minutes", he replied.

"Tell him yourself", the voice behind his door retorted, "I was given orders to pick up a _package_ and you know full well of how I deal with time."

Akuma rolled his eyes. "If you care about time so much, then go to Wonderland and hire for the position of the White Rabbit", he grumbled.

"What did you say?"

"I said you need to find yourself a girlfriend so you can stop kissing up to Myotismon's ass all the damn time!"

Akuma heard the retreating footsteps of Piedmont. "Be there and **do not** be late this time", was his last response.

The brunet got out of bed and stretched until he heard the popping crack of his spine. "Like that ever stopped me before."

_**BC-Angel**_

Akuma walked down the stone hallway wearing his signature clothing: a black kimono and a katana strapped to his waist on his left hip. His messy brown hair was smooth, yet some spikes continue to be untamed. He would've been called _The Reaper_ but he insisted on a name that doesn't involve his past. Unfortunately, he felt more comfortable with _Akuma_ due to his reputation amongst living in the Digital World.

Akuma: The Bloodlust Warrior.

Catchy, isn't it?

As he walked toward his destination, many servants cowered by his presence; some stood in their spot in fear like a deer staring at the car's headlights; others scurried to find a decent hiding spot. At the sight of their action, Akuma mentally sighed. He wished they would stop doing that. It's not like he was on a killing spree. Maybe it's the fact that he looked ready to slaughter anyone who gets in his way. He shrugged as he ignores the weak digimon while walking by them.

Finally, he stopped in front of two large wooden doors. They were smoothly and well detailed of the story of the Legendary Warriors. On the left side, it showed the Human Spirits as well as the right side showing the Beast Spirits. When closed, you can tell the two sides were ready to engage in battle.

Akuma never really bother following the story because he believes it's just what it is, a fairy tale; and, being Myotismon's only bodyguard, he can probably beat them all in his sleep (the nature of being a cocky-filled bastard).

A sound caught his attention. He turned around seeing Piedmon carrying something under his arm. After hearing some grunts and curses, he'd have assumed it was a person. A female person, to be exact.

"Wow, Piedmon; I know I don't normally give out good advice, but I was joking about finding a girlfriend", Akuma mockingly mused as he pretends to wipe an invisible teardrop from falling. "I'm so proud of you."

The clown digimon repositioned the "package"under his arm. "Didn't I tell you not be tardy?"

"Correction, you told me "not to be late". You never said anything about being tardy. Secondly, since when did I ever listen to a word you say?"

Piedmon growled. "Get inside before I report to Lord Myotismon of your ignorance to respond his summons."

"Ladies first", Akuma said as he steps away from the doors.

Piedmon scoffed as he walks by the offending bodyguard of his Lordship. The girl kept kicking and yelling for him to let her go, yet it had no effect whatsoever. When he saw her face, he was mesmerized by her eyes. Her eyes were so dark he wanted to see what its true colors are.

She stopped kicking long enough to hold his gaze, until Piedmon was completely inside the room. Akuma followed suit. Beyond the wooden doors, a massive room they entered. By the dim lighting from the Gothic candles, you can make out a few furniture in the darkness. Before them, an overdressed vampire sat in his throne as if he is king of his realm. He grinned showing off his pearly fangs as he seen his most loyal subject approach him with his "prize".

"Piedmon, you have return; with our guest of honor, no less", he bellowed. On purpose, the clown digimon dropped the girl. Akuma cringed, feeling the upcoming pain lingering from his behind. "Careful; humans are very delicate creatures." The virus digimon noticed Akuma standing his ground with his arms crossed. "Akuma, was there a reason why you were late again?"

The brown-haired swordman shrugged. "I answered, didn't I?"

He chuckled. "Why yes you did."

"Akuma is abusing his status of power!" Piedmon exclaimed. "He does not care of your protection; all he ever desires is money!"

"I would've object if it weren't true."Akuma shrugged once more. He noticed the girl kept looking at him as if she was figuring out how he fits in with them. He stared at her attire. She wore a blue sports jacket over a yellow shirt, a pair of gray trousers that reaches above her ankles, and white sneakers. Her long, raven hair was ties into a low ponytail along with a blue-and-brown camouflaged bandana tied around her head. "Hey, a guy's gotta make a living", he simply told her.

"You see, he proves my theory himself; he does not deserve to be your protector!" The jester kneeled before his lord. "Please, allow me to exterminate this pest."

The tall brunet fake-coughed while filling in "snitch" in between (cough*_snitch_*cough).

Hearing the word, Piedmon glared.

Myotismon stood and walked gracefully passed his subject. "Gentlemen, gentlemen; let us not be rude in front of our guest." He kept walking until he was in front of the girl. The girl jumped a bit, but stood her ground. Between height, he was twice her size. He bowed with his right arm crossed and his hand laid on his chest as he pushes his cape aside. "Forgive their rudeness, Milady. We do not get many company around here," he gently grabbed her hand, "company that cannot define your beauty." His violet lips pecked her small hand. She withdrew her hand as she steps away from the frontal creature. Her eyes stayed defiant, hiding the fear and nervousness appearing. Myotismon smiled a charming grin. "There is nothing to fear; you are in capable hands; you are among loyal subjects who are at your disposal."

She have had not spoken a word. Her eyes stayed a cold glare, demanding the digimon on why she was brought before him.

Suddenly, Akuma appeared between them, making the girl jump at his surprising speed. "Sorry to interrupt this 'moment'", he air-quoted _moment_, "but is there a reason why I'm here? I'm not too fond about your servants waking me up unless I'm needed."

"Ah, yes; thank you for reminding me, Akuma."

'That's one of my best qualities', Akuma thought.

"I have an announcement, I am getting married!"

Akuma lifted an eyebrow. 'I feel sorry for the poor bride marrying him off."

"And I am greatly honored for the Warrior of Light to be my bride!" The girl stiffened with widen eyes. Akuma, with a confused stare, said nothing.

He glanced at her. Her expression tells all, she was not happy about this; not one bit.

'She's a warrior? She sure doesn't look like one.'

"And who has the right to tell me who I can marry or not?" she proclaimed. "Who do you think you are giving demands like that?"

'Wow, that's the first time I hear her speak", thought the brunet swordman, 'her voice reminds me of sweet bells.'

Myotismon chuckled at her tone. "I am Myotismon, ruler of the forest. I give every right, my dear. You are traveling in my domain, which I control with an iron fist. You should consider the honor - no, the privilege of becoming the spouse of a powerful digimon."

Her face scrunched in anger. "I'd rather rot in your dungeon with no food or water! Can't you see I'm too young to get married?! I haven't reach thirteen yet! And, even if I was able to, I would still say no to you as an adult! Who in their right mind would want to marry someone who treat others as pawns? You might as well pick a better candidate because I'm not going through with this!" She breathed heavily. Her cheeks flushed a slight pink shade.

"Damn", Akuma breathed out in awe. It was obvious he was impress by her bluntness. He looked back at Myotismon.

The vampire's expression was not pleasant. He looked ready to strike her in the face. However, he turned away and said, "Piedmon, take my fiancée to her room. It appears to me she needs time to know the difference between obedient and defiant." Piedmon approached her. She took a battle stance.

"I'm not going anywhere with you!" she yelled. She took out a device from her jacket pocket. "Execute: Spirit Evolution!" Akuma shield his eyes from the brightness of her evolution lightening up the room.

"Lobamon!" As he uncovered his eyes, Akuma thought he was standing before a goddess.

She transformed into a humanoid wolf with blonde curls underneath her wolf mask. Her pure white armor fit and slim to show her slender form. Her long, blue striped scarf was draped on her shoulders and around her neck.

She withdrew a mechanic tool from behind her. With it, she drew a Z pattern in midair. Then, she yelled "LOBO KENDO" and pressed a button. A lightsaber appeared, brightening up the room even more. She charged at Myotismon with a battle cry.

The said digimon did not budge from his spot. Piedmon yelled for his master to move, but he ignored his subject. He waited... with a grin on his pale face.

As Lobamon delivers her strike, a sword blocked her path. She looked up to meet a tired gaze of dark chocolate irises.

"If this is how you were going to act, you should've asked me for a dance first", Akuma lazily retorted.

The Warrior of Light dropped her gaze to see his katana. He held the sword with one hand while the other lays inside in pocket.

"Now Akuma", said Myotismon, "do not go overboard with your brawl. A few spankings here and there should give an example of why no one disobeys me."

"Sure, as long as you give me a raise."

Myotismon chuckled. "I will think about it."

"All right, then." With a flick of his wrist, he forcibly pushed Lobamon away from his master. The girl was awestruck by his strength. Instead of attacking again, she sheathed her sword and lifted her arm.

"HOWLING LASER!" She activated a pistol, which was hidden in the right arm of her armor, and released a laser.

Being his regular, calm self, Akuma brought his sword up and whispered, "Absorb, Kagami." His katana glowed a silver light. The warrior's attack suddenly vanished, leaving her opponent standing in front of Myotismon with not a scratch or bruise or any injury on his body. However, instead of his sword in hand, a mirror floated beside him.

The mirror was not of any kind from the Human World. The mirror was circular with silver Celtic designs surrounding the glass like vines.

"You shouldn't have done that, kid", he warned. "Reflect, Kagami." The mirror went in front of him, and, in response, it glowed the same light as the laser. Next, it unleashed the exact same attack, except it seems to be more powerful than the original. It blasted from the mirror and hit Lobamon on her chest plate. The attack was so strong, her back made impact with the stone wall.

When she hit the wall, she was surrounded by a blue digital cocoon. After that, her human form returned as she slides down on the floor. Her device laid helpless on the ground next to her. Akuma walked up to her and kneeled down. Before she could do anything, he grabbed her small wrists and uttered a word. Yellow energy wrapped around her wrists as if they were rope. He forcibly lifted her up by grabbing hold of her upper arm with her device in hand.

Myotismon applauded as if he witness a well-performed play. "Bravo, bravo! Magnificent as always, Akuma!"

"Just doing my job", Akuma nonchalantly said, not letting go of the girl.

"As promise, I will give you your bonus later today." His bodyguard nodded. "However, I will add an extra bonus for you if you consider doing a small favor for me."

"You want me to babysit your bride-to-be", Akuma stated, not bothering to form his sentence to a question. He can feel the girl's glare along the tugging of her arm.

"If you wouldn't mind. I will be overjoy if you do."

Akuma sighed. He did not plan to be some kid's babysitter... but, an extra added bonus does sound promising. With a shrug of his shoulders, he said, "Sure. Whatever."

The virus digimon nodded. "Excellent. Now escort my fiancée to her room. She look ready to pass out due to your swordplay."

The lazy swordman nodded once more and pocketed the device. He looked at the girl who, in return, looked at him with a glare. Ignoring her glare, he picked her up and laid her on his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. She started struggling and yelling for him to put her down.

Soon after, they left the throne room.

Myotismon looked at Piedmon. "And you said he is not worthy of being my protector." He walked to his chair as Piedmon kneeled once more.

"Forgive me for regretting your decisions, Milord, but he continues to gain my doubt."

Myotismon sat down. "I can understand your perspective, but Akuma has been on my side for years; and, he has not once betray my trust."

"Even demons play by their rules."

"Demons who are **free**. Akuma is bound by our agreement. He will do as he please as long as he stays loyal to me."

"Each day is a new change, Milord."

Myotismon glared at Piedmon. "Here me, Piedmon; the day Takashi Kyoraku disobeys me will be the day you finally kill him." He waved him away. "You are dismiss."

The jester digimon clenched his fists as he bowed lower. "As you wish, Lord Myotismon."

**End of Chapter 1**


	2. The Captive Bride

"Put me down, you human-size beanstalk! Let me go!"

Meet Takashi Kyoraku — known as Akuma, the Bloodlust Warrior; Myotismon's _only_ bodyguard and protector; the master of the art of sword combat; and the most terrifying creature of the Digital World — who recently hit rock bottom of becoming Myotismon's fiancée's babysitter... scratch that, her _friend_.

He would've said no to his "master" only to realize how much he is getting for watching her.

Now, Takashi prayed his sensitive ears can handle the girl's shrill demands.

'My bonuses better have lots of zeros with the way I'm getting treated.'

"Put me down!" The girl continued to yell in his ear. "I can walk, you know! Put me-!" Takashi bent down and stood the girl up. Standing up, he saw the girl gaping at him.

"What?" he asked. "You said you can walk, didn't you?"

She glared. "I did...for the last thirty minutes!"

"Actually, I counted thirteen minutes and forty-five seconds."

She growled. "And you didn't bother to listen to me."

Takashi rubbed his neck. "I made a bet with myself to see how long I can handle ignoring you until we get to your room. Sadly, I lost because you were killing my ears with your banshee cry." The girl's face turned beat red. He dug is pinkie into his ear. "I think you made them bleed." He sighed. "I guess I owe myself twenty-five digi-dollars."

"I don't scream like a banshee!" she huffed. "You must feel really important being Myotismon's bodyguard. I bet the pays are extremely high. You'll do possibly _anything_ to get your hands on them."

It was his turn to glare. "Let's get something straight here, _Princess_." She growled again. "You don't like me, I don't like you, that's completely obvious. I've got a job to do which I have to keep you happy like any bride would be before her wedding day. So, bare in mind and cooperate with me or I would resort to using **my** methods; and trust me when I say you don't want to know what they are."

The young warrior scoffed. "As if I'm afraid of you. And don't call me Princess, it's not my name."

"Why don't you tell me about it when we get to your room where I pretend I care", the tall brunet said, grabbing her arm and leading her toward their destination.

"If this is your idea of kindness, I don't want to see your example of misery."

Takashi felt his eyebrow twitching. "Are you always this annoying?"

"Are you always this rude?"

They both glared at each other. Feeling the stares of the low digimon, Takashi stopped glaring at the wrists-bound girl to look at the surrounding stares.

"Don't you all have work to do?" In fear, everyone in the hallway disappeared, except one. A young purple dragon with a white furry belly and a red diamond on his forehead backed himself to the wall. "You." The creature jumped. "Tell the chef to cook two meals and bring them to the bride's chamber. And make it snappy! I'm hungry."

The violet dragon ran as fast as it could, screaming and yelling "Don't kill me!"

He sighed. "Every frickin' time."

"Why is everyone afraid of you?" Takashi turned back to the girl. "You can't be as frightening as the Boogyman, if he ever exist."

"I have a dangerous and gruesome reputation to uphold. I can't be all innocent like magic unicorns pooping out enchanted rainbows."

"How can you be gruesome if you're as human as I am?"

"For someone who's got bite, you ask a lot of questions", he said, tightening his grip.

"And for someone who can take down a Legendary Warrior, you know how to change the subject."

On their walk, it became silent between them. As much as he enjoys it, Takashi secretly wanted to know more about her. Why was she here in the Digital World? He lives in his "home" for as long as he can remember and not once did he see any humans. Why now and how could the girl transform into a digimon?

At last, they reached a pair of dark oak doors. Takashi reached into his pockets to pull out his skeleton key only to see the opening crack of the entrance. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The familiar scent of lilac and valley flowers reached his nostrils.

"Stay behind me", he told her. He slowly pushed the left door and crept inside. Sensing the girl taking cautious steps, he gripped his sword tightly. Inside, the room was grand with a Queen-sized bed with crimson silk drapes, a well polished dresser with a mirror, a double door closet, and the opening to the bathroom. Ahead of them, a double glass doorway leading to the balcony. The hue of the afternoon sun resonated the room, giving off a golden orange glow.

Takashi stood in front of the bed and positioned himself for battle. On top of the bed, two shadows peaked from their spot. Twin ember irises looked at one another's; they smiled, showing their tiny fangs. They jumped up and threw themselves on the swordman.

The girl gasped at the surprised attack. Was someone brave enough to stand up to the Akuma?

Unfortunately, instead of cries of pain and agony, she heard laughter. The two shadows revealed to be twin plant creatures with flower heads. One with red and yellow petals and the other with violet and blue petals.

"We've slayed the demon!" yelled the red flower digimon.

"Now it's time to finish him off!" encouraged her sister. Takashi stood up. His bangs covering his eyes.

"Your surprise attack may have distract me, but you cannot escape my ultimate technique", he proclaimed.

The two small digimon hugged each other in fear.

The dark-haired girl widened her eyes. "Get out of there, kids!" The two digimon seem to not listen to her warning.

"Demon Art of..." He got close to the two rookie digimon. He pounced. "Tickle Fingers!" They all laughed with Takashi as he tickles them to death.

The girl became dumbfounded. Only a few moments ago, she met a lazy man who became a well-trained fighter to a disrespectful jerkface to a caring guy. 'Does he has a personality disorder or what?' she thought as a sweatdrop runs down from her head.

"Lala, Lulu, are you two teasing Takashi again?" The girl turned toward the door spotting a cactus digimon holding a baby plant digimon between her boxing glove hands.

"Aw, Mom; I don't mind", he said, "they made me feel a lot better, actually. I was in a bad mood until these princesses saved me from depression."

'So his real name is Takashi, huh?' the Warrior of Light thought.

His _mother_ smiled before looking at the girl. "I'm Togemon, what's your n—" she stopped, seeing the girl's tied wrists. She glared at her _son_. "Takashi Kyoraku, is this any way to treat a guest! You will never get a girlfriend if you treat them like prisoners." Togemon started to weep at a corner. A lone spotlight flashed on her figure. "What did I deserve to have a son I raise to become such a naughty boy." The baby giggled.

"Taka's being naughty; Taka's being naughty; Taka's being naughty!" Lala and Lulu sang while running around their _big brother_. Takashi's face blushed.

"Mom, stop embarrassing me in front of new people; you know it's not like that! She's Myotismon's new bride. Tell her, Princess!" The girl looked away with a _huff_. "Oh, come on! Don't leave me hanging!"

"Hmph!"

"Takashi, can you feed Tana? She's getting fussy", Togemon suggested.

"Sure, Mom." He carefully took his baby sister. "Let's go hunt down food for our bellies, Princess Tanemon", he cooed. "Then, we go hunt food for me because baby food taste like—"

"Ahem!" Takashi looked at his mother. "Are you forgetting something?"

He tilt his head. "Did I forget to say I love you?"

"Untie this poor girl's hands, or I'll tell her your deepest secrets."

He sighed as he walks up to the girl. The brunet swordman touched her bound wrists. He whispered, "Release."

The yellow energy ropes disappeared. The girl rubbed her wrists. She did not say her thanks, rather she did not bother looking at him.

"You're welcome", he sneered. He walked out the room with Tana in hand.

She felt a hand on her shoulder. "Don't be so hard on Takashi. He's really a good boy", she heard Togemon say. "Lala, can you get the old dress in the closet?" she asked the blue-flower headed digimon.

"Okay, Mama!" she exclaimed. She ran to the closet with her sister behind her yelling "Wait for me!"

"I'm still not going through with this", the girl said, not looking up from her wrists.

"I know, sweetie", Togemon reassured her, "but it wouldn't hurt to revive a masterpiece rotting in a big closet, now would we?"

"...I guess not..." The girl was not fond of dresses, judging from her disgusted expression. The twin rookies came out of the closet wheeling in a headless — as well as armless — mannequin. The dress it wore was a puffy white gown ( close to becoming yellow, in fact) with puffy short sleeves. The lower gown was bell-shaped with layers upon layers of ruffles. "You call this a masterpiece?" she said aloud.

"Now, now; it may not be much, but it's a start. All it needs is a nice bath and a lot of heart. A beautiful dress is waiting to be awaken. I can feel it!" The girl thought she saw fire burning in Togemon's eye sockets.

She felt a tug on her pants. It was the digimon name Lala. "Mama used to own her own clothe shoppe—"

"Clothes so beautiful you have to pinch yourself to see if you're not dreaming", finished her sister, Lulu. "I'm Lulu the Palmon, by the way."

"I'm Lala the Palmon. What's your name?"

"How did you know Taka?"

"How did you get kidnap?"

"Are you going to marry Mr. Pointy Teeth?"

"How long is your hair —?"

"Girls!" their mother yelled, "give her some air. She's been through enough hassle already."

The girl sighed. "I'm Koji. I've met _your_ Taka just recently in the throne room."

Togemon crossed her arms. "How did you assume she was kidnap?" The Palmons whistled, innocently. "Did you easedrop on Myotismon's conversation again?"

"Of course not, Mama!" exclaimed Lulu.

"We were passing by and heard all of his plans with Clownface—" said Lala.

"That's all", they said in unison.

Koji shook her head. 'They sure know how to _conveniently_ arrive at a right time.'

"How did you get kidnapped?" they asked together once more.

"I was caught off guard", Koji said, piecing her thoughts together, "All I remember was a sweet smell and everything went black. The next thing I knew, I woke up in the castle with Piedmon carrying me." Her eyes blared with a blazing determination. "I'm going to get out of here; and when I do, I will complete whatever task I came here for."

Before Lala and Lulu could question Koji even more, a knock interrupted them. The turned to see Takashi carrying two trays of food and the little Tanemon on his head, napping.

"Hey, Mom", he said, "Tana fell asleep after eating her dinner, can you take her off my head and get her on her own bed?"

"Of course, sweetheart", she said, "come along girls, we've got a dress to recreate." The two Palmon nodded and wheeled the mannequin out of the room. Togemon bowed to Koji. "It was nice meeting you, young lady." The girl returned the gesture. "Takashi, make sure you show generosity and extra kindness to our guest", she included, following her daughters.

"Anything you say, Mom." When they left the room, Takashi placed one tray on the bed and said, "So... your name is Koji."

Said girl crossed her arms. "And you were standing outside, _Taka_."

"Hey", he pointed, "my sisters call me Taka; nobody else but them. They had a hard time saying Takashi so they prefer Taka instead, and I like it. Anyone else who calls me other than Akuma will meet my sword an inch away from their neck."

"Oh, I'm so scared", she mocked.

His eyes narrowed. "Laugh now but when you see what I really am don't come crying to me." He walked to a disregard chair by the door.

"Can't wait..." Koji sarcastically said.

Takashi let out a tired sigh. "Look, I hate arguing, especially on an empty stomach. Let's agree that we dislike each other and move on, okay?" Instead of answering, Koji walked to her bed and sat down beside her food. "A simple yes would suffice."

"Says the guy who hits girls."

"One, I technically didn't hit you; two, you should be grateful you're still standing and breathing; and three, I **beat** you fair and square. Get over it!"

"Oh yes, you beat me; I should be **undeniably** grateful I'll be a digimon's bride who thinks he can get his way with a snap of his thin, boney fingers! So I'm sorry if I don't look overjoyed." She looked down with a depress expression. "This was not the destiny I had in mind", she muttered. However, he heard it (having enhance hearing and all).

"What destiny did you have in mind? I'm certain it doesn't involve running away from home and living here."

Noticing it was a bowl of ramen noodles along with chopsticks, the raven-haired girl pushed it away. "You wouldn't understand."

"I guess not." Takashi went and took her tray of food. "You should go to sleep. You're going to need your strength if you're going to revolt against the wedding." Without another word, she untied the curtains and closed him off from her sight. "And you said I'm rude." He sat down on his seat and ate his two meals in peace.

Inside the curtain-draped bed, Koji hugged her legs while laying her head on her knees. She let out soft sobs, quite enough for her to hear alone.

Takashi, having not eaten his first bite, sat quietly and listening to her sobs.

For once, the urge to eat was nothing more than a passing memory.

**End of chapter 2.**


	3. The Confliction of the Demon's Heart

Time passed on slowly as Takashi reads his book in peace. He couldn't bare touch his food, so he decided to read a book he found, which was lying on the dresser; but, he couldn't concentrate on it due to a certain _distraction_. Actually, he lost interest ever since the Warrior of Light fell asleep (he didn't even know the title of the book!).

He stood up from his chair with book in hand and walked up to the Queen-sized bed. He drew back the soft, crimson silk curtain with his right hand. Then, he gazed down.

There laid the young prisoner with her blue jacket off, revealing her yellow shirt completely, and using it as a makeshift pillow. Her bandana was kept in her clutches. Three strands of short hair parted from their hiding spot. Her face was calm for someone who doesn't smile. Takashi noticed dried tear stains tracing down her cheeks. His eyes narrowed as a fresh tear leaks out from her closed eyelid. He gently wiped the tear away with his thumb causing the girl to moan a bit but went back to her slumber.

Laying the book down first, Takashi grabbed her sleeping form and lift her to the wood-carved headboard. He shoved the top part of the comfy blanket aside. From there, he took off her sneakers and dropped them on the floor. Next, he took off her hair tie. Her black locks fell gracefully. His left hand twitched as if it was curious to feel her hair through his fingers. He shook his head as he lay her down and pulled up the sheet. All the very moment, Koji not once let go of her bandana. He grabbed back his lone book.

The Bloodlust Warrior looked at her, watching her inhale and exhale in her sleep. 'This isn't right. She shouldn't be here. She should be out there doing God knows what, not be Myotismon's bride', he thought.

For the first time in his life, Takashi has questions to be answer.

He threw the book on the floor and marched out of the prisoner's bedchamber only stopping when he was about to close the door. He heard Koji shift in her sleep. He softly closed and locked the door before heading to his Mightiness' chambers.

The forgotten book was flipped cover up having those old, yellow pages facing the floor. The cover was hard, leather, and dark, yet the edges were tearing apart. The front was inscribed in golden letters.

_Tales of the Legendary Warriors_

_**BC-Angel**_

Takashi took a deep breath. He stood in front of the entryway of Myotismon's bedchamber, rethinking of why he wanted to speak with the virus digimon. A name went through his mind.

'Koji.'

He needed answers... No, he _craved_ for them. He wants them so badly he does not care about his careless quota. Taking one last breath, Takashi knocked.

"Enter", came from the other side. With a last hesitation, Takashi opened and let himself in. His _master's_ room was pitch black with black curtains blocking out the sun and many candles lighting the area. His bed was King-size (surprise, surprise *hint the sarcasm*), with crimson blanket and matching pillows. On the left side, it was dominated by the wall covering of books from top to bottom only the opening of the fireplace. A black wooden drawing table was beside the bed along with a stand. Myotismon stood next to the enormous bookcase with a hardcover sketchpad in hand and a piece of charcoal in the other. The virus digimon looked up and smiled seeing his most trusted subject. "Akuma, outstanding performance today. Your techniques become more fluent every time."

Takashi bowed, putting his hands in his pockets. "Thanks for the compliment."

Myotismon nodded. "How is my fiancée?"

Takashi wanted to say about the girl's distress on the whole wedding thing, but instead, he said, "She fell asleep. Nothing else exciting." He had no idea what came over him. Sure, Koji **did** fell asleep, but that was a while ago. It was a good thing Myotismon didn't notice. He nodded in acceptance, actually.

"I'll retrieve your reward." He placed his sketchpad on his stand and went to his desk to reach in one of his drawers.

Waiting patiently, Takashi glimpsed at the sketchpad. It was a rough sketch of a charcoal wedding fill with Greek pillars, musicians, floating petals, and, at the center, were two figures; one taller than the other. Narrowing his eyes, Takashi knew who they are.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Takashi saw Myotismon approaching him with a stack of dollars in one hand. The vampire-like digimon gazed at his picture. "My vision of a perfect wedding. I'm going to fulfill it with the exact details of my conscious."

"It's going to take a lot of hard work to complete your goal", Takashi stated.

Myotismon smirked. "Too true, my friend." He turned to his bodyguard and held out the money. "As promise, your reward for taking such care for my bride."

"Sure, anytime." The tall swordman reached for the money, but hesitated when his hand was close to it. An image flashed in his mind. Instead of reaching for the money, he saw a solemn, young girl sitting on the dark ground. She looked up, and rivers of tears from her red-stained sapphire eyes were flowing down her creamy skin.

_**"This was not the destiny I had in mind."**_

Takashi gasped with widened eyes. It was the Warrior of Light herself, Koji.

"Is something the matter?" His lord's voice brought him back to reality. He looked back at Myotismon, who had become suspicious of his pawn's dazed expression.

He recomposed himself. "No, nothing's wrong." He took the money and stuffed it in his robes. "Just feeling wiped out, that's all."

Myotismon nodded. "Then I suggest you should rest. I will not tolerate my extraordinary warrior to faint, if a battle were to commence."

Takashi nodded in agreement and headed for the exit; however, he stopped when his hand laid on top of the doorknob. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Does it involve improving your behavior toward my subjects?"

"Nope."

"What is it, then?"

"What do you want with Koji?"

"Who?"

Takashi rolled his eyes. "The human girl you're marrying."

"Ah, my fiancée; lovely name. What about her?"

"What do you want with her and why?"

"Is there a reason for my action? Can I not say I am simply in love?"

"Don't give me that bullshit." The virus digimon seemed surprise by Takashi's outburst. "I may say two plus two is twenty-two, but I know it's really four. Also, you know me well enough to know I speak my mind; for example, when something smells like rat shit, I say **it smells like rat shit**. Right now, your dream wedding is a huge-load of rat shit. So, why don't you tell me the whole truth."

He heard a small chuckle coming from his boss. "I keep forgetting how intellectual and perspective you are behind your relax façade. You are correct, Takashi. The entire thing is nothing more than an elaborate plan, a scheme to be exact; given orders by Lord Cherubimon. My role is to preoccupy the Light so Darkness will reign across the Digital World. And what better way to do it than with a marriage. We will be united as King and Queen of the Forest Kingdom.

"The Warrior of Light will remain as my queen for as long as I please. When Lord Cherubimon gets full reign, Lady Koji will be dispose of his presence. Possibly killed, maybe. Before the day comes, I will enjoy breaking her will, even if torture is necessary. It will take time, but she will be my little marionette doll." Another image flashed by; Koji wore a long white dress torn up to show her damaged legs; bruises and blood were on her arms, legs, and on her face; thin piano strings were tied to her wrists and ankles, which drew blood from them; her eyes were closed, but tears continue to leak down her cheeks. The image made Takashi clenched tightly on the doorknob. "I control her strings along with her power. It is as simple as that.

"Was there anything else you want to know?"

With clenched teeth, Takashi strained his anger. "No, you've explained plenty." He opened the door and excuse himself.

Noticing the dented knob, Myotismon's eyes narrowed.

_**BC-Angel**_

"Lala, how many times have I told you the laces are fabric scraps when necessary, not dancing ribbons!"

"Sorry, Mama!"

In a bedroom located on the fifth floor, Togemon and her two Palmon were carefully tearing out laces and thread from the delicate dress. Her young Tana the Tanemon fell asleep on top of a pile of fabric on a cushion chair.

"Remember, girls", she explained, "the dress needs compassion and love to expose its inner beauty. Every clothing wants to be notice, but it is how they express themselves to hopefully gain a stranger's attention."

"We understand, Mama," said Lulu.

"Every clothes wants to be beautiful and noticeable; that's why fashion was created", finished her sister while adding a giggle.

Their talk was interrupted by the knocking sound from the front door. "Now who could that be?" Togemon asked. She went toward her door and opened it. She was surprised to see who it was. "Takashi, what are you doing here; aren't you supposed to watch Koji?" She noticed how silent and out of character her son appear. "Are you alright?"

"I want to talk to you about something", he murmured, yet his mom heard him well.

She opened her door more and moved aside to let him in. "Come in."

He entered her room, went to her bed, and sat down. He loved coming here. It reminded him of how his home was until the _incident_. Pieces of fabric were scattered everywhere, having the impression that a fashion disaster had occurred; but, to professionals, it is a mean of organization. Different colors, shape, and texture were placed in any furniture and flooring and, especially, some were even hung.

Yep, it felt like he never left home.

Putting his head on his hands, Takashi let out a tired sigh. He felt the move, knowing his mother had taken a seat beside him.

"Okay, Honey, what's eating you?" Togemon asked with concern.

He removed his hands and looked at her with confusion. "Mom, be blunt with me, am I monster?"

His mother's eye sockets seem to grow than it originally was. "Of course you aren't! Those servants were spreading rumors again, aren't they; and, years of working under the same roof with them, you're finally letting those rumors get to you! I knew working for that blasted digimon was a bad idea from the start! You know what I should, I should go over to him and give him a piece of my mind!" During her ranting, Tanemon began to cry and squirm in her slumber. Togemon quickly went to her baby, picked her up, and rocked her back to sleep. "I've gotten myself angry enough to wake my poor baby", she cooed.

Takashi sighed as he gazed down. "But, am I a monster for following Myotismon's orders? The reason I accepted his proposal before was because it was my fault your shoppe, our home, was destroyed. I knew you were behind on your bills and I thought with my skills I could use them as an advantage by winning street fights." He clenched his fist, grabbing the cotton material of his pants while muttering, "What I didn't expect was those damn Ogremon burning our house down. It was my fault we were living in the streets for three goddamn days...it was my fault for being cocky...my fault I became hungry for more victims...it is, will it always be, my fault."

The tension in the room thickened. Lala and Lulu paused their playing to look at her brother. Seeing how sad he was, the girls felt like he is spreading his dark cloud to them. They did not like to see him this way. It didn't suit him.

They dropped the laces and ran up to him.

"Don't be sad, Taka", asked Lulu.

"Yeah, Mama told us home is where you're with your love ones—", included Lala.

"Including friends and family—"

"Anyone who is close to your heart." He looked back at his mother, stepping into the conversation. "Takashi, in my opinion, monsters rely on their primal instinct. You're not a monster because you have humanity in you, even if it is a small amount. You always try to do what's best for us, but you're doing your actions in the wrong way."

"How can I do the right thing?" he asked.

She gave him her famous motherly smiles."Your conscious has the answer, all you have to do is listen to it."

The Bloodlust Warrior let her words sink in. 'She's right', he thought, 'I need to listen to my conscious, and I know who to talk to.'

He stood up and hugged his mother. "Thank you", he said, then, he hugged his sisters. Next, he rushed out the room.

"Is Taka going to be okay?" Lulu asked the cactus digimon.

All she could do was sigh and said, "I hope so..."

_**BC-Angel**_

Takashi reached his room and locked his door behind him. He went to his bed, sat down with crossed legs, and laid his sword on his lap.

"Time to visit an old friend", he said and closed his mind. He emptied his mind to think about nothing more than his sanctuary.

The fresh breeze made Takashi opened his eyes. His location changed from a small, dark room to a bright, expansion of a valley filled with fresh grass and newborn flowers. The uniqueness of this area are the floating mirrors flying by him; each one different from the last. Some are big and curvy, others are tall and straight, and half of them are a fusion of both.

"It's been a long time, Master", said a feminine voice beside him. The tall brunet looked at the source. It was a short stranger with a rugged, brown cape covering her form. "How long since we talked; five maybe six years?"

Takashi smirked. "Kagami, you know I don't bother keeping track of the date. I don't know what today is. So, when are you going to show what you look like? What, you don't trust me?"

"I shouldn't, but it is not complete. When it is done, you will be the first one to see it."

"You _shouldn't?"_ He raised an eyebrow. "Am I in trouble? Did I made you mad?"

"Yes, I am furious. You are letting Myotismon control you as though you are his loyal dog; furthermore, you are not doing anything to help that poor girl. I should have never given you access to my power from the start."

Takashi sighed. He knew she was right. He can list the things he messed up, however, he was not here to feel sorry for himself. "I know and I wanted to say I'm sorry to you. At first, I thought I can help my family with the financial problem if I can become the Digi-World's best street. With the fame and money, I can buy Mom a new store, hell, her own land would be better; and, I can buy the girls whatever they want.

"All the attention went to my head. I thought I was unbeatable! After our house burned down, I knew my cockiness was my downfall. I wanted to say how sorry I am, but I was afraid you never wanted to talk to me ever again. I didn't care if I lose my power. I care if my best friend would be with me."

"Yet, you agreed to work under the vampire", Kagami stated.

"I took it because I wanted to repay Mom." He clenched his teeth. "I'm so close. I have enough to get them to leave the kingdom on a Trailmon. I just need a few more enough to live in a small house." He slammed his fist to the ground, creating a mini crater under his fist. "I'm don't know what is with me! Since Koji dropped in, I get confused and frustrated and more pissed off at Myotismon! Why?! Why am I like this?"

The caped female did not answer. She merely watched through shadowed eyes as she watched her master lose himself. She bravely laid her hand on his quaking shoulder.

"You are feeling guilt, my friend. It is a normal behavior amongst humans."

"I'm not human—"

"Neither are you a demon. You know, you are not the Takashi I remember." The said man looked up in shock. "My master would have done anything in his power to not see a woman cry. He would have stop at nothing to see her smile. That is my Takashi, the one I call Master."

"I can't", he neglected, " I'm so close to my goal. If I revolt now, then, all my hard work will be for nothing."

"Then you will let Koji become Queen and wait for her demise? Shall I remind you how young she is?"

"Not necessary." He stood up. "I need to be alone."

She nodded. "I understand." She stood up as well. "Before you go, heed my words. Do what is right, even if the impossible seem to be impossible to accomplish."

Takashi nodded and closed his eyes again. When he reopened them, he was back in his room. No fresh air. No life. No freedom.

'Koji's life will be like mine', he thought, picturing the girl in an iron cage. 'Kagami's right.'

Takashi stood up in his room, gripping his sword tightly.

He grinned deviously. "It's time to the **demon** out to play."

**End of Chapter 3**

* * *

**Hey, this is Black Cat Angel. Please don't hurt me, but I am doing another story. This time, I'm challenging myself. You see, I'm going to update one chapter per week. Why? I'm insanely mad! As mad as my favorite character, the March Hare. Wish me luck, folks.  
**

Also, whoever can guess the meaning of Kagami's name, without using the internet, the first top three reviews will receive a virtual bunny! However, the first reviewer will receive not just a bunny but a sneak peak of the next chapter before the next post.

Good luck, and I'll see you all in Chapter 4!


	4. Escape

**Hey, this is BC-Angel. Sorry for the wait. I've been busy with work, campus, life... all that shit. So... I hope this makes up for it.**

**New challenge: can you think of an opening and ending for this fanfic? Review or pm or answer. Good luck to you all! Enjoy the chapter!  
**

* * *

"Taka, where are we going?" Lala asked her brother. He came into their room in silent and told them to pack their things. With Takashi leading them in the hallway, the twins carried two luggage of fabric, clothing, and a sewing kit, and their mother carried her baby and a bag of baby food.

"You all are going to go far away from here", he replied, "I'm going to do something reckless and I don't want you four to get involve."

"Are you taking us to the secret passage?" asked Lulu gleefully.

"What secret passage?" asked Togemon.

"While me, Lala, and Taka were playing hide-n-seek, Lala found a creepy tunnel in the wall."

"It was so scary, I thought I wet myself", Lala added.

"That tunnel led us outside fifty feet away from the palace", Takashi finished. "After I know you're safe, I'll returned here to free Koji."

The Palmon twins gasped happily. "We can take Mama! You go and save _your_ princess!" they said in unison.

The tall brunet sheepishly rubbed his neck as his cheeks lit a light pink glow. "I wouldn't say she's _my_ princess, or anyone else's. She's her own person. What's wrong with saving a damsel in distress?"

Togemon smiled. "Go to her; we'll be fine on our own." He nodded in understanding and turned to leave. "Takashi." She grabbed her son's wrist. He looked up. "I'm proud of you, you know that right?"

He smiled and gave her a hug. "Thank you, Mom. I love you."

"Go on, you have destruction to create." He nodded again and ran off. Togemon looked at the two Palmon. "Okay, where is this secret passage."

_**BC-Angel**_

The Bloodlust Warrior reached his destination where two guards - two Knightmon, to be exact - standing at the bedchamber's entrance. He casually walked up to the entrance; unfortunately, his path was blocked by a pair of long swords crisscrossing each other.

"What is your purpose here, Akuma?" the Knightmon on the left asked.

"I was ordered by Myotismon to check on his bride", he sternly said.

"We were not inform of your visiting hours", the Knightmon on the right replied.

"Trust me when I say I don't want to do this either, but orders are orders." The Knightmons seem unconvinced, instead they steady their stance and not removing their swords. "You two don't believe me, do you?"

No answer came from them.

He sighed. "I was hoping I wouldn't resort to violence so soon, but seeing my circumstances before me, I have no choice." He vanished from their sight. The two warrior digimon looked side to side, alarming themselves if they see the smallest hint of black clothing. Suddenly, they were knocked out with a fierce force on their napes like a blunt object. Their bodies fell to the ground, not having the chance to see their attacker reappear behind them with his katana in hand. "How do strategists keep their plans as follow?" he asked himself, sheathing his sword.

Takashi repositioned the guards as if they were sitting down with their blades on their laps. Assuming there were no mistakes between them, Takashi removed his key, unlocked the door, and quietly entered the room. He softly closed it behind him. He walked up to the bed and drew away the curtain. Looking down, he saw the girl where he left her in deep slumber.

Takashi covered Koji's mouth and nose with his left hand. She gasped, sensing her lack of air.

"Shh", he whispered, "you need to get dress; and hurry."

"Why?" she asked cautiously, after he released her.

"Don't ask questions." She became wary, but, nonetheless, Koji did as she was told and got dressed (only putting on her jacket, shoes, and tying her hair were not much to do).

Tying up her bandana, she asked, "What's going on? Why are you in a rush?"

"You want to escape, right?" The Warrior of Light nodded, uncertain of what he was getting at. "Well, you are witnessing a small window of opportunity for you. I'm helping you leave quietly." The girl wanted to say what's in her mind, but he turned from her and opened the door. What he didn't expect was a group of Knightmon checking on the two unconscious warriors. "Evening, men; I'm on my way to the kitchen with Myotismon's little lady. If you don't mind, we'll be going." As he took his first step, the small Knightmon army drew their swords. "Not convincing, huh?" One Knightmon approached the Bloodlust Warrior, but it received a kick to the stomach; forcing it to fall back and land on half its comrades. Takashi closed and locked the doors; and leaned his body on them. The pounding got more intense and stronger with many fists, kicks, and sword slicing. "Quick, get the chair!"

Koji grabbed the nearest chair and wedged it below the doorknobs. "Can it hold?" she asked, taking a step back with him.

"It should...unless they bring the battle ax." The wood cracked, then a whack, and the splintering sound from the other side. "...they brought the battle ax..." he stated.

Koji crossed her arms. "Your plan quickly went out the window, Genius; what's next?"

"..."Out the window"..." the tall brunet whispered. His eyes trailed to the balcony. The gears turned in his brain. A plan formed in rapid speed. As if a lightning strike passed by, a grin rose up. "That's it!" He grabbed the girl's wrist. "Come on!"

Another chop crunched the door.

"Where are we going?" she demanded. "There's no way out besides through those doors."

Takashi opened the glass screen door and pulled Koji outside with him. He released her while ripping off both his sleeves and tying them to the doorknobs. Ties from across and securing them up and downwards. Seeing the outbreak of Knightmons coming into the bedroom with bare arms, he whispered a phrase. A rainbow glass appeared as if to wall in the attackers. They bombarded, they couldn't get through his steeled shield.

"How long will **that** last?" When she didn't received her answer, Koji turned to see her savior looking at her with intense determination. She focused his eyes. They were candy caramel under the dips of the sunset's hues.

"I'm not going to lie", he said, "the spell I placed won't hold forever. You have two choices... one, you can stay here and miss your chance at escaping; or two, you can trust me and I will make side you won't walk down the aisle wearing a fake smile while approaching your new hubby.

"I know I'm the last person in the Digital World you can trust, but I have every intention to see you out of harm's way. Now, I don't know why you're here in general, but it's better than being a prisoner... all I ask of you is your trust. So what do you say? Do you trust me?"

Truth be told, the young warrior didn't know what to think. She wanted desperately to leave the palace, but she's useless without her D-tector. The man before her, who defeated her with one move, told her he's going to help her. She doesn't seem to know what goes on in his mind.

"I said do you trust me?" His voice brought Koji from her train of thought. The crowding voice from beyond the glass doors became louder. The glass grew cracks along with the barrier. Its strength was weakening. "We're wasting time!" he yelled. He drew his hand to her. "Do you want to be free, or not?!"

'No, this isn't the place or moment to hesitate', Koji thought, 'I have to act!'

She went and took his offering hand. "Yes, I do want to be free!"

Takashi yanked the girl to his chest and wrapped his arm around her waist. He leapt up to the stone railing. The cracks continue to expand the surface. The raven-haired youth grew cautious. She looked up at him. A toothy grin spread his face.

"What are you waiting for?" She warily asked.

"The right moment", he deviously replied. His hand laid on his sheathed sword. A shard of glass fell from both the door and the barrier. It would've made anyone with no battle plan anxious, but it only made his smile stretched more. It was hard to believe, for Koji, to see someone smile a demonic smile and see it grew like rubber on their face.

A _click_ was heard. She looked down to see a peek of steel blade was shown. Glass shards became larger pieces. 'Is this the end?' she thought, clutching his robes. The herd of Knightmon pushed through the secure door and shield.

"**Flash, Kagami!**" A blinding light flashed from the katana. The Knightmons covered their eyes. They opened their eyes and gasped.

The Akuma and the human disappeared.

_**BC-Angel**_

Koji covered her eyes. The technique was too bright. It was amazing she didn't become blind... did she get blind? She felt her something gripping her waist. She dared to open her eyes. She met the glow of three moons. The space between her and the moons were so close she can reach out and touch one.

"Wow", she breathed. The view practically took her breath away.

"It's good to see you're enjoying yourself", a familiar voice said behind her. She turned her head and saw a pair of dark chocolate eyes staring down at her. "Can you not move so much? I'll lose my grip and you'll fall."

Koji blinked. She then looked down. Her eyes widened. They were standing on thin air! Not knowing what else to do, she screamed bloody murder. She turned around and clutched Takashi's hakama.

"I never peg you to have acrophobia", Takashi said; amusement was evident in his tone.

"I'm not afraid of heights; I'm afraid of some stranger **dropping** me from them!" she yelled while giving him a glare.

He chuckled. "After what you went through, I don't blame you... but..." He paused, he looked down at her. Koji was shocked to see sincere and regret in his eyes. "...I'm going to repent for what I have done... if you'd let me..."

'He's changed,' she thought in statement. 'Can he really fulfill his promise?' With one mental sigh, she replied, "Yes... Alright..."

The Bloodlust Warrior nodded. He held her legs up in a bridal style manner as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Hold on", he told her, " and try not to blink so much. It might lead to nausea."

"Wha-" Unfortunately, she was interrupted by his rush. The Warrior of Light did not had time to scream out her retort to her savior.

_**BC-Angel**_

"He has done WHAT?!" A yell echoed throughout the castle along with the shattering glass behind it. In the bedroom of Myotismon, he recently heard the news of his bodyguard's betrayal. Piedmon, being loyal and mostly ecstatic on the inside, reported the happening to him.

"The Akuma kidnapped your bride, Milord", Piedmon responded. He knelt down to his master holding in a knowing grin. It was impressive how the glass chalice passed above him.

"How can that... that... behemoth of a demon betray me?! After all I have done for him and his family this is the gratitude I get back?!" Myotismon ripped off his wooden stand. "I practically see him as a son of mine! If I was aware of his behavior sooner, I would have him castrate before he draws his last breath!"

Piedmon tried his best not to jump for joy at how Myotismon hates his ex-bodyguard. It was as sweet as nectar and music to his ears.

"What would you have me do, sir?" he asked calmly. He can barely hold in his smile any longer.

"I WANT HIS HEAD ON A SILVER PLATTER!"

"Medium or well done?" He jested.

The virus digimon turned around and glared. "What do you think?" He walked to his heavy, coated curtains and threw them back. The shine of the three moons made his pale skin glow and his eyes a piercing gold. "I want that son of a Togemon bitch dead, and I want you to deliver a sever arm or leg to his family; but, I want the human girl alive. Not a single hair is to be touch from her head."

The clown digimon smiled maliciously. "As you wish, Lord Myotismon."

_**BC-Angel**_

A red train rode on the tracks. It is known as a Trailmon (apparently it's a he). This red Trailmon was getting exhausted and can barely keep his eyes open.

"Trailmon!" He yelped as he heard someone yell his name. He saw a shadow up front. He instantly hit his brakes, even pulled his weight back. The Trailmon managed to stop his trailing and slowed down. Steam poured out from his pipes. He looked at the figure standing on his tracks with a human in his arms.

"Akuma!" He yelled, "Wha -What are you do... do... doing here?" As a Trailmon, he heard many stories about the Heartless Fighter who promoted to be Myotismon's bodyguard.

"I need you do me a favor-"

"Please, no! I'm too young to die!" screeched the red Trailmon.

Takashi can feel his eyebrow twitching in annoyance. "I'm not going to kill you, you over exaggerated piece of scrap shit! All I'm asking is for you to take her as far away from here as possible!"

Koji looked up at him. "You're not coming, are you?" Her eyes revealed worry and concern.

The Bloodlust Warrior slowly shook his head. "No, I have to lead the upcoming search party away while you go ahead. My job, so far, is to make sure you're in the opposite direction as I be the decoy", he explained, carrying Koji to a car and opened the door. He put her down. She looked at him. Her eyes were filled with questions. He dug into his pockets and pulled out a stack of money and her device; and, he grabbed her hand and laid them on her opening palm. Koji's eyes widened when she saw the familiar trinket. "This should be enough for your ride and food on the go." He stepped back. "I guess... this is goodbye..."

The young girl couldn't believe what she is hearing. The man who saved her from marriage is going to leave her and continue to risk his life... just for her. Why is he doing this? Why risk his life for a total stranger? What about his family? What would happen to them when they hear about their beloved son/brother dead? They would be devastated; heartbroken; not to mentioned miserable. They wouldn't be the same cheery family Koji remembers after first meeting them. The sound of the closing metal door brought her back from her train of thought. His face was slowly replaced by the door. "No", she whispered, "he deserve to live."

Takashi paused for a second, but he pushed the door onward... until, a hand grabbed his wrist. He looked up to her eyes. He raised an eyebrow, pretending her sudden action didn't surprise him. He saw how she tries using as much of her strength as she can. "What are you doing? You're holding Trailmon's work schedule", he stated.

"..."

"If you're going to stare all day, I advise you not to because like Trailmon I'm behind schedule as well." He reached for her gripping hand. As soon as his hand on top of hers, her next words shocked him.

"Come with me..."

His eyes widened. "Wha-"

"I said come with me", she spoke louder than before. "It's best to stick together."

He sighed. "Trust me, I'm not worth it."

"You're worth more to your family. Do you think scarifying yourself would reassure them?"

"I protect those who pay me", he sternly stated, "last I check, you're broke."

She glared. "I have money."

Takashi opened his mouth for his next combat, but a whistle overpowered him.

"As entertaining as it sounds, I'm a bit in a hurry", said the Trailmon, "can you _please_ take it inside?" Takashi can tell by his tone that the train digimon does not want to cross any boundaries, especially around the infamous street fighter.

Not wanting to disappoint Trailmon (let alone scare him), Takashi stepped inside after Koji stepped back. He closed the door. He bang on it, informing the Trailmon to leave. After a slight jolt of movement, the train was trailing on the tracks.

The tall brunet crossed his arms. "So where's the money?" Koji took his hand and dumped his/her stack of money on his hand. He raised an eyebrow. "...this doesn't count..."

She smirked. "Actually, it does. You see, when you gave me your money, you left its ownership; and, as holder of this stack of cash, I'll do as I please. Ergo, this is _my_ money and I'm paying with my money. Did you get it or do I need to talk slower and use shorter words?" she said, crossing her arms as her grin still plaster to her cubic face.

His eyebrow twitched. 'She's cocky, but she's not wrong'. He let out a small chuckle. 'She's smart... for a kid... I'll give her props for that'. Takashi stuffed the money in his pocket; then, he looked up at her.

"Alright, Princess, let's start over." He raised his hand and said, "My name is Takashi Kyoraku; my hobbies are eating, fighting, sleeping, and meditating; my likes are food, fighting, sleeping, and cloud watching; my dislikes... well... anyone who pissed me off will receive a painful aftermath."

Going along with it, she grabbed his hand. They both gasp at how soft their hands are from another. She cleared her throat. "My name is Koji Minamoto; my hobbies, likes and dislikes are none of your business. That's all you need to know."

He chuckled again. "I can deal with that." The rough-haired brunet knelt down before her, grabbing her hand.

"What are you doing?" she asked, watching him act weird.

"Composing a promise", he plainly said. He brought her hand to him. "I promise I will protect Koji Minamoto, the Legendary Warrior of Light, and follow her on her mission, whatever it may be, until she accomplish her goal. And I will use every skill to see to the very end." To finish his oath, Takashi tenderly kissed her palm.

She lightly gasped at his frontal approach. It was the same hand Myotismon kissed. Compare to Takashi's, the virus digimon may have a soothing voice but his touch was cold and unappealing. Takashi's kiss felt... perfect... like it fit just right.

Feeling her stomach flutter, Koji felt touch by his devotion. No one has ever taken the liberty of claiming as her protector. Actually... moments like this she would've push away any cheesy pickup lining idiot. Coming from someone who can easily changes personalities within a day, she find it, dare she say it, sweet. Witnessing how Takashi risk his loyalty for Myotismon and his life work for his family, she viewed him as a not a warrior in dark clothing but a knight in shining armor.

Sensing she should say something, she uttered out a small "Thank you", which earned her a nod as he stood up releasing her hand. The warmth of his kiss felt pleasant. She never pegged him as a gentleman (with his attitude and rough persona around everyone, except his family).

A beeping sound broke their moment. Koji took out her device. A woman's voice announced beyond the static.

**"You must go to the forest terminal."**

"The forest terminal? Sure, why not?" She turned to her companion. Deciding to change the subject and forget about her fluttering stomach, she asked, "What do you think?"

Takashi, the Bloodlust Warrior, smirked his signature toothy smile. "I say it's about damn time I see the world."

**End of Chapter 4**


	5. The Fairy and the Mushrooms

The red Trailmon stopped at a station. The doors popped open. Steam roared. "Just call me the naptime express", he said. Takashi stepped out closing his eyes as he listened to his surroundings. Reopening his eyes, he turned around.

"It's clear." Koji stepped out with hands in her jacket pockets.

She smirked. "You sure take your job to heart."

He returned the gesture. "You did pay me to be your bodyguard. I'm just living up to the name. What kind of bodyguard would I be if I didn't do my job right?"

"A terrible one", the girl sarcastically retorted.

"Funny", he blankly said. They walked up to the sleeping Trailmon watching him snooze. They both let out a yawn (Takashi's the loudest). "I'm going to follow in example and catch some Z's."

She nodded. "I agree. We need rest to keep our strength up, especially you after your crazy stunt." They went to the only vacant, wooden bench. The tall brunet sat down as he repositioned his sword. Koji shifted her weight to the side with her head tilting down while she played with her hair covering her face to not reveal her pink glowing cheeks. "I want to thank you for rescuing me."

Takashi's eyebrow arched. "Didn't you already thanked me?"

"That was for the promise you made, which was really nice of you. If it wasn't for you, I would conjure up an escape plan to leave before my..." She shuddered. "...wedding day..."

Takashi chuckled. "I can already imagine your first plan. You were using the bed sheets, curtains, and anything else you can get your hands on to tie together a rope ladder and you'll escape through the balcony." He released a small laugh since he noticed her silence. "The downfall of that plan would be me." She looked at him, gaining his full attention. "I'm more accurate and attentive at night. I'm not implying I'm nocturnal or anything just saying I take the night shift since working for His High-and-Mighty-Pain-in-the-Assness." He stretched and laid his head on his opening, entwined hands. "I guess I should be thankful I recommended to betray Myotismon today. Normally I didn't give a damn on what is orders were as long as he present my rewards in the end. Now... I feel content... free..."

The raven-haired girl folded the her arms. "Why did you save me? Why are you risking your neck for someone whom you met within a day?" She desperately wanted to know his answer; and, it seemed the longer she waits the curiouser she becomes.

To bad for her because she received a lazy shrug. "I wish I can tell you, Princess, I really do...but, I'm as confuse about myself as you are." He closed his eyes and relaxed his muscles.

Koji's eyebrow twitched. "How can you not have a motive for the actions you've done? And didn't I tell you not to call me Princess? You know my name is Koji. Why do you keep referring to me as Princess? I might as well call you Taka if we're giving each other pet names!" Stopping her mid-ramblings, she paused as she noticed how quiet it gotten; she turned. "Are you listen-?" She spotted her companion snoozing away in deep slumber. His chest inhaled and exhaled in rhythm with his steady breath. She sighed. "I can't believe he fell asleep while I was talking. Unbelievable." She muttered; then, she sat down next to him. She glanced at his sleeping face. 'He looked so calm...as if nothing bothers him...does he think about his family missing him? How worry they are?' She looked up at the twilight sky. 'By now... I'm guessing there's a news report about a couple of kids missing at home. Was this a right decision... coming to the Digital World?' The cool breeze whispered by her. "The winds here are sweet and serene. It definitely beats the breeze at the Human World." With one yawn, Koji fell asleep not noticing an arm wrapped around her and brought close to the warmth.

_**BC-Angel**_

The sun rose from the east. The morning hue lightened up the terminal. It was bright enough for the girl to wake, but she had not opened her eyes. She didn't want to wake up. She was comfortable where is... especially with a nice and warm pillow.

Wait... since when do pillows move?

With her eyes remain shut, Koji's hand browsed the mysterious warmth. Her eyebrow arched as it passed a ridge. She explored further and discovered more ridges along with traces of rectangles and squares. She was pulled in closer to hard surface with a firm grip on her shoulder. The motion surprised her. Her eyes fluttered. Her gaze came intact with a bare, muscle chest. She blinked once; then twice. Realizing what she was staring at, Koji gasped with widened eyes. She pushed back causing her to stumble out the bench. She quickly sat down while holding her chest. She tried to calm down her heartbeat. Her eyes roamed to her sleeping bodyguard.

With his arm unoccupied, Takashi scratched his revealing chest then let it rest on his lap. Her eyes trailed the lines detailing his abs. Smooth and hard.

The young warrior's eyes expanded to the size of China plates at the thought of her gawking at some man's chest. She clapped her cheeks hoping the sting would distract her. It helped...for a few seconds.

'What am I thinking?' She thought, 'this isn't like me at all. I'm acting like one of those girly girls who goes gaga over a cute guy...I'm not saying Takashi is ugly or anything; he's very attractive - What the heck?! I need to get my head examine because I think I'm losing my mind!' She shook her head.

Koji straightened herself with folding arms and crossed legs, and enjoyed the tranquility of peace of the morning. It was interrupted by the voices coming from up ahead. 'So much for a quiet morning.'

"That is one humongous tree", a female voice said. Four figures entered the treeway. The one who spoke was a pretty girl with long blonde hair, green eyes, and pale skin; she wore a pink sleeveless jacket over a white and purple striped shirt which both exposed her stomach, a short pink skirt, a pink cat ears hat, purple stockings, and white and pink sneaker.

Her other human companion was a full figure boy with peach skin, spiky brown hair, and dark brown eyes; he wore a yellow shirt under a blue and yellow jumpsuit, white socks, and blue and yellow sneakers.

Two digimons were beside them as well.

One is a white digimon which resembled an over grown chicken with a pink stretch belt.

The other is a tall rabbit digimon with eyes closed and wore brown pants.

"So then this must be the Forest Terminal." The blue boy said.

"This is Breezy Village." The chicken told them.

"It's called the what now?" The blonde girl asked.

Koji opened her mouth to speak but an arm slinked around her shoulders. "I never peg you as a cuddler", a husky whisper reached her ear. Her face turned beat red while she pulled his arm out of its place earning a chuckle from the awakened man. He returned to his regular position (with his head laying back on his hands) as if he hadn't done anything else after waking up.

"Welcome tourists", Koji announced. The group turned her way. "So this isn't it?"

"You're right, it's not", the chicken spoke back.

Takashi stretched as he groaned. "Man, and I thought this area was pretty damn obvious." He stood up as he fastened his sword to his hip. "I should learn not to get my hopes up so easily."

The blonde waved to Koji but pulled back seeing the tall man beside her. "Hey, Koji and...?"

"Takashi", he replied with a grin causing the blonde hair girl to blush and the jumpsuit boy to scowl. Koji rolled her eyes as she stood up with her hands in her pockets and hopped down onto the tracks. Her bodyguard shrugged and followed suit.

"I'm Neemon and these are my pants", proclaimed the yellow bunny.

He gave him a two finger salute. "Yo."

The white chicken stroked his chin in thought. The man, Takashi, striked him as suspicious. It was either his clothing and sword or the fact there's a human they have not encounter yet.

"Uh, where you going?" the girl asked them.

"Where we go is our own business, thanks for asking." Koji told her.

"Oh, you're so anti-social." The blonde fumed.

"She reminds me of white chocolate. Might look good, but no taste." The heavyset male said as he tried to calm down his friend.

The insult was enough to make her paused her next step, but went on walking with the added misunderstanding weight on her shoulders.

Takashi, however, stopped walking. He turned to the jumpsuit wearing boy with a snake smile and narrowed eyes. "White chocolate may taste bland to you, but, in my opinion, they're creamy if you melt the molding." In a blink of an eye, he was in front of the human boy. "I'd appreciate if you keep your comments to yourself; otherwise, you'll **might** find your tongue ripped off and squished in my hand." Close up, the boy saw how the threatening man's eyes were feral, amber eyes...an angry beast. Chills crawled on his spine. "Do I make myself clear?"

The frightened boy nodded rapidly. "Y-y-y-yes, sir."

"Takashi!" Yelled a certain girl.

The said man stood up straight. "Duty calls, folks." He flashed back to Koji and they walked away without a second glance.

"JP, are you okay?" The blonde asked in concern.

"I thought I was going to wet myself", the boy, JP, said nervously.

Neemon poked at the white chicken's head. "Bokomon, why are spacing out? Are you sleeping?"

'How can I not see this sooner', the one called Bokomon thought, 'we have witnessed and survived one of the most fearsome legends... Akuma, the Bloodlust Warrior... he is now among us.' He feared for the Digidestined, praying their spirits would protect them from the Bloodlust Warrior himself.

_**BC-Angel**_

"You didn't have to do that, you know."

Takashi looked at his ward with his arms folded behind his head. "Didn't have to do what?" They were outside the tree, a few feet away from the group and out of hearing range, when Koji spoke.

"You didn't have to rescue me back there; it wasn't a big deal", she told him.

His eyes trailed off to the clear sky. "You may say it's nothing, but I'm not buying what you're selling. He hurt your feelings; and, in my book, that is unforgivable." The raven haired girl stared at him in shock. "I can tell his words hurt you. It was a good thing you didn't cry or else I really show him my bad side. I think giving him a few nightmares works the same." He chuckled.

She turned away with strawberry cheeks. "I don't cry."

"Keep convincing yourself that", he teased. "Why don't you tell me a story of your time here?"

_**BC-Angel**_

The scene changed with both travelers were in the forest away from the Breezy terminal.

"So... it all started with a message in your... celly phoney?"

Koji massaged her upcoming migraine by rubbing the bridge of her nose as she tried not to rip her hair from her scalp. She told Takashi of how she got to the Digital World, her cell phone transformed into a D-tector, and obtaining her spirit. The annoying part was correcting him on bits and pieces of the things he messed up... the cell phone part was one of them.

"For the last time, it's called a cell phone; how can you not know what they are?", she proclaimed.

"I'm sorry, but I don't get instant messages coming from the Human World telling me about the new crazes nowadays since I live here for as long as I can remember", he sarcastically pointed out.

She shook her head. "I can't believe you live here all your life and mostly everyone treats you as if you're a monster."

"Well...I'm not human", Takashi retorted.

"Why do you keep saying you aren't? Does your stay in the Digital World convinced their rumors to be true?"

The way his eyes bore into her own made her heart ache as he said, "Ever thought they were right?" His eyes stayed brown but they hold an emotion she would ever see of his persona: pain.

'Why would Takashi be in pain; does it involve with how he was treated in his past?' She closed her eyes and reopened them. Takashi seemed surprised to see sharp, intense sapphire eyes. "I don't think of you as a monster or demon or whatever you're called. All I see is a guy who has combat experience; and, can change his personality faster than a tidal wave and I think he has psychological issues. All in all, a regular guy."

The Bloodlust Warrior looked away as he added a scoff. "Just because you know me after a few hours doesn't mean you know _what_ I am."

As her mouth was open for another question, Koji's D-Tector beeped. She pulled it out.

"Is this a Spirit?" Koji asked.

"It might belong to one of those kids back there", Takashi suggested as he released a mental sigh of relief at the perfect opportunity for a change of subject.

"Ha! So strangers are in the village, eh?" a voice rose.

They looked at one another and scurried to the source. Takashi leaned against a tree, which was a perfect range to listen in, and he subconsciously held Koji close to him. The said girl felt her stomach flutter but she pushed the sensation aside and listened as well.

"That's trouble." A second male voice stated.

"They're human children." The third male informed.

"You think those whiny wallflowers called them in to come and help?" the second voice asked.

"Who cares? No one can defeat the Mushroomon brothers." The first said smugly.

"We'll get them." The third cheered.

The brothers then laughed villaniously while the eavesdroppers snuck away.

"We have to go back and help them", Koji told Takashi once they were far from the "Mushroomon brothers".

The other shrugged. "Those guys didn't sound strong but a good whack from me should teach them a lesson. Come on, I smelled fresh flowers on the way here." Koji nodded and they ran to the scent with Takashi taking the lead.

_**BC-Angel**_

After finally reaching their destination, Takashi and Koji were blinded by a flash of light. As the light dimmed and the location much clearer, Takashi witnessed the blonde girl slap a short creamy skin digimon with a purple mushroom head who was in front of two identical ones. He assumed they were the so-called Mushroomon Brothers.

"Hey now, that's my brother! Why'd you slap him?" The mushroom digimon on the right asked.

"You need to learn how to get along", she lectured. The Mushroomon Brothers blinked in confusion. "Just because you feel like you're getting the short end of the stick, that doesn't give you the right to just go around destroying things. Try solving things peacefully."

"Whoa", he mused, "and I thought you have balls."

Koji rolled her eyes but went on observing the scene.

JP went up ahead beside his friend in what Takashi believed to be showing how much of a "man" he is. "Yeah, now listen up, you toadstool heads can't just come barging in here with your purple mushroom caps, 'cause they're just plain ugly, right?"

"Idiot", Koji muttered.

"Ditto", Takashi complied.

With the insult thrown at them, the three brothers chased JP for vengeance while throwing their little mushroom grenades at him. The jumpsuit wearing boy ran for the naked tree. As he got his D-tector beeped. He pleaded the spirit to come aid him, but he fell in the ground.

" JP!" The green-eyed girl cried. In response, a pink orb appeared from within the tree. It was a figurine of a fairy statue. Takashi's eyes widened. He can feel the enhance power trap inside the small thing.

"Yeah, my Spirit. Spirit Evolution!" JP said as he pulled out his device and got ready to capture it.

"That's not his spirit", Takashi remarked.

"What makes you say that?" The girl beside him asked.

"One, his device isn't responding to the spirit. If your device was beeping because a spirit was nearby, then it must mean the same for his, too." The Warrior of Light let his words sink in. That was the smartest thing she ever heard him say today. "And two... pink isn't his signature color." Koji comically fell down. "I mean, come on, it's too feminine."

The spirit zoomed by JP and analyzed by the blonde's device.

"It is time", the same female messenger said.

**"Execute: Spirit Evolution!" **The blonde girl transformed into a young woman with long, violet, a pink bikini-like outfit, ankle-length boots, and big fairy wings. **"Kazemon!"** The Bloodlust Warrior could not help but drool over the sight before him.

A vein throbbed when Koji saw Takashi eye-gawking the new spirit. So, she does the one thing effective enough to bring him back to reality: she slapped him upside his head.

The spiky-haired man glared at her. "What the hell was that for!?"

"Oh good, your brain hasn't turned to mush yet." They watched Kazemon battle the Mushroomon Brothers. "She's getting too cocky", Koji commented, after seeing Kazemon kicked the triplets when she performed her Tempest Twist.

"What's wrong with being cocky?" Takashi asked with his eyebrow arched. "In my point of view, it's the same as being confident.

"It's not the same. If you get too confident, you'll lose sight of the battle and it will end with an instant loss."

He scoffed. "Unlike her, I'm strong enough to back up my words." The three brothers jumped and landed on each shoulders like a totem pole. They were then absorb by data and evolve in a giant tree. "Heh, now real shits about to go down", he said with a grin. "It's a Woodmon. I went against one of them before. Everyone say their bark is like armor, but I beat him under a minute." He said as he reminisced about his past as a street fighter.

"With attitude like yours, its surprising you're still alive."

Thinking it was a good idea, Kazemon gave Woodmon a Love Tap causing him to be in a love trance. "Your bark is worse than your bite", she cried as she repeatedly kick him on the same spot where here tap was. It made him very angry and tried to pushed her away, but she dodged. She flipped back and dent his bark. "Man, am I good or what?"

"You think that's funny; but you see I'm not laughing!" He stretched his arm and hit Kazemon. She crashed on the ground and returned to her human.

"Zoe!" JP cried.

Back at their safe distance, Koji looked at her bodyguard. "We have to do something", she said eagerly.

Instead of looking troubled, Takashi grinned. "Way ahead of ya, Princess." He vanished.

Meanwhile, Woodmon raised his arm. "Time to crush pesky bug!" He brought his arm down. Suddenly, his attack was halted by a black sheath. Zoe awoke from consciousness.

"Didn't your mother teach you it's not nice to hit girls", said the man below the wooden arm. He held his sheathed sword with both hands using as much of his strength as he can from not letting the girl, Zoe, be crushed. Takashi took his eyes away from the tree digimon. "Hey, Blondie, you better get out of here. I'm not sure how long my strength will last since I haven't had a bite to eat since morning." An impact of force power made contact with his sword. "Hurry up, chick!" Zoe ran out of the way. More hits as powerful as the fast came down.

"Takashi!" He glanced to the side to see Koji running up to him.

"Take your time, Princess! I'm trying to count to a hundred. So take all the _frikking_ time in the world!" He sneered at the word "frikking".

Taking the hint of his tone, Koji pulled out her D-tector.

**"Execute: Spirit Evolution!**

**"Lobamon!"**

In her place stood again the humanoid she-wolf poise with grace. She unsheathed her weapon. "Lobo Kendo!" She hit Woodmon in the forehead causing a mid-distraction. Using it as his advantage, Takashi vanished from his spot and reappeared beside Lobamon. He took a look at the damage; so far, a tiny hole like an empty third stared back at him.

"Was that a love tap?" Woodmon jested then let out a hefty laugh.

"I'm too hungry to beat this guy; why don't you finish him off?" Takashi said as he rubbed his neck while a yawn voiced out.

"Lazy", his ward commented.

He put his hands up in mock surrender. "In my defense, my stomach craves food as your lungs craves air; without it, I'll be complaining about it the entire day and you're not going to enjoy hearing it. Besides, you're strong and I have faith in you; you can beat him without lifting a finger."

She rolled her crimson eyes as she sheathed her sword; then, she loaded her wrist and aimed it at the visible target. "Howling Lazer!"

She shot her lazer to the gaping hole. The tree digimon smirked; suddenly, the hole expanded and he was engulfed in darkness with a ring of data circling around him.

"Obviously you've been taken over by evil. Shadow creature, be purified by the Light. Farewell, Woodmon, for good. Fractal Code; digitized!" She scanned his code. The three Mushroomon returned to normal. They blinked in confusion.

Lobamon jumped away from them and transformed to her human form. Koji kneeled down in exhaustion and panted. Takashi quickly ran and knelt down to her side.

"I know this is a bad time to say anything but has anyone mentioned to you that you have a corny catchphrase?" His response was a tired glares from her fiery, blue irises. "Right, shutting up."

Her D-Tetcor started beeping which them looked at the bright, flashing screen. Out of curiosity, she pushed a button and Fractal Code flowed out of her device.

"Fractal Code; render!" the woman spoke.

The entire area around them relived from its dead state to green grass with flowers and the huge tree became as lively as the grassy field.

"Breezy Village's Fractal Code is returning." Bokomon smiled.

"Ooo, an albino chicken", Takashi said with hungry eyes, "I'm gonna eat him."

The Warrior of Light grabbed his front robes. "Don't... just... help me up..." He grabbed his gripping and cautiously pulled her up. They saw the Mushroomon Brothers getting along with the pack of flower bud digimon. Watching how they get along made the Bloodlust Warrior feel thankful yet queasy in his belly.

Zoe walked up to them. "They're all pretty happy thanks to you." Koji walked away without a word and reentered the forest once more. The said blonde looked at the shaggy brunet. "How can you stand traveling with her?"

He shrugged. "She's not so bad; she's just cranky; and, I can totally understand the situation." He winked, wanting to tease her a bit. She blushed. "Koji'll come around; I can guarantee it." A flash of realization hit him. "Oh, I almost forgot." He disappeared in a blink leaving Zoe to wonder how someone can move so fast without moving an inch.

_**BC-Angel**_

Koji walked alone in silent. Noticing her bodyguard's absence, she kept her senses up.

A cracked twig echoed. She pulled her device and stood her ground. The sounds of footsteps closing in made her grip tighten.

"Finally, I've found you!" She exhaled her holding breath as she saw Takashi's familiar form. She noticed him carrying four boxes tied together on his back while holding a bowl of soup in his hands. He took a large gulp (without using a spoon). "You walk fast for someone who went through a rough fight, even if it wasn't as rough as I thought it was."

Koji's eyebrow arched. "What's with the boxes?"

"Well, you went off without me. I nearly lost your scent if I wasn't too busy smelling this delicious soup. I don't know what those Floramon put as a secret ingredient, but I'm liking it. You want some? You've got to be hungry after facing Woodmon." Hearing her stomach roar, Takashi chuckled. "Of course you are, shall we?" He gestured to a tall tree with the green leaves shimmering in the sunlight. "I'm certain our food supply will end in high afternoon; I have a really high metabolism; so, let's enjoy our morning together." He walked to a spot under the tree. The raven-haired girl stared at the shaggy swordman's back. She felt the same fluttering motion in her stomach like in the morning.

'Why is my stomach feeling like this; am I getting sick?' She mentally asked as she laid her hand on her abdomen.

"Hurry up or I'm going to eat all the soup, including the bowls!" His voice broke her thoughtful trance. "Yeah, I'm **that** hungry."

'I'm sure it's nothing too serious.' She shook her head as she ran to him. "Don't eat everything, you pig; I haven't eaten since yesterday!"

"And whose fault was that?"

At a far off distance, a lone telescope peaked at their way. A yellow grin spread from its decade face.

They were being watched.

**End of Chapter 5**

**Hey guys, happy new year! I feel like this year went by fast...again. Man, so many things went by. Well, I hope you all love this chapter and pm or review of what you all think of this chapter. I did a lot of research and episode watching for this one and trying to think of what the title of this chapter will be. So I sort of wing it. And on the next chapter... Well...let's just say there will be some action (as much as I can) and Takashi's dark side reveals.**

**Until then guys, bye!^-^**


	6. The Demon within Thyself

"I'm so hungry." Our main _demonic_ hero was complaining about his empty belly for hours... even though he ate the entire amount of their food supply. And it was just in the midst of noon. His young companion, Koji Minamoto, had the urge to either cover her ears or kick him where the sun don't shine. Whenever she hears him complain about his empty stomach, her eyebrow would twitched in irritation. She tried to come up with a few conversations here and there. It helped... for a little while... His stomach would uproar during their conversation causing him to moan and return to his main complaint. "I swear if I don't find something to eat soon I'm gonna scavenged the fattest tree, pretend it's a chicken drumstick, and consume it bone and all", he exclaimed.

"Why are you complaining?" Koji finally asked. "You ate four bowls of Floramon's soup, which by the way, was meant for us on our journey. That should've kept you full for the next few hours, or better yet, a hefty sleep. You would've at least save some for later, you gluttonous pig, but you insisted on eating every single one like your life depends it. Sometimes I wonder what goes on in that head of yours." She paused. "...nope, I rather not risk it…"

"If it helps, I have a big appetite." He heard a "no kidding" snort from her breath. "What do you want to know?"

"Anything that can distract you from your inhaling abyss you call your stomach." It was the honest truth. She want to know more about Takashi. She admits he intrigues her. A _human_ living in the Digital World his whole life. Strong, brave, and caring. She practically admires him. The young girl thinks of him as her friend. Her first friend, actually. True, he ANNOYS her; but, she still enjoys his company. There were moments when she wanted to convince Takashi that he's _human_. No monster. Just a guy going through anxiety and lack of self-esteem… and an ego the size of the Digital World (if his ego can get any bigger).

Takashi looked up at the sky. The sense of his detection wasn't accurate lately. The hint of a presence came and left like a floating speck of dust. His eyes narrowed. He tried to search for the source, but it disappeared…. or was he hallucinating. He didn't want to bring his accusation to the young warrior because he assumed it might be the lack of training with Kagami the past few years. He could be wrong. It wasn't the first time he was wrong. Just to be sure….he remained on his toes and checked countless times if his sword was by his side. "Are you okay?" Her sweet voice brought him from his wandering void of his mind.

"Nah, I'm good. Just checking on the weather. You never know if there would be a storm or not?" Takashi rubbed the nape of his neck. Koji noticed how his grip tightens on his weapon.

'He's tense', she thought, 'but why? Could someone be following us? If they were, Takashi would've act sooner. Is it possible he's having trouble finding them?'

Suddenly, a twig snapped nearby. He pulled Koji to his chest and pointed to the direction with two fingers. "**Hado 4: Byakurai!**" A burst of lightning flew through his fingertips.

Having her chance to move, the twelve year old girl pushed awkwardly from her bodyguard. Unlike him, her senses weren't as sharp as his; so, it confused her on how he's more aware of his surroundings. She closed her eyes as well. Silence plagued around them, but it didn't satisfy Takashi. He KNEW they were being follow. Finding the source irritated him because he could've sense on the follower's location in a split second. Koji grabbed her D-tector as she noticed how her swordsman became more tense.

Her stomach fluttered. She mentally shook away the upcoming thought when mentioning Takashi as "her swordsman". This isn't the time to think, she repeatedly lectured herself.

The Bloodlust Warrior stepped forward. His grip tightened more on Kagami. His weapon's soothing words echoed in his mind, but he pushed them aside. His blood was pulsing in his veins. He knew they were being followed...and he wanted nothing more than to hunt them down and—

His eyes widened. Shit, not now. Now wasn't the time to go all predator mode. He had a job to do, he reminded himself, he needed to stay focus.

One fact is obvious: whoever, or whatever, they are, they are talented in hiding themselves... and he want to hunt them down. Shit. He clenched his eyes shut. No matter how hard he ignores it his sick persona can always find **his** way out.

A _shink_ whispered in Takashi's earlobe. He turned before unsheathing his sword and made contact with a long, steel blade covered with violet cobwebs shimmering in the sunlight, the cross-guard had a design of a spider with an amethyst gem as the body; the grip was long and well woven with silk making it easy to hold in its grasp; and, a bulky pommel at the end.

Dark chocolate eyes met his opponent's violet sunglasses. Before him stood a thin woman with long, flowing silver hair that reached at the waist. She wore a long red dress with a short cape but the sleeves were cut off showing how thin, yet muscular, bare arms, and wore purple elbow-length gloves. Her red hat was tipped above her eyes adding more mystery to her eye color.

She smiled her purple-covered lips. "Pleasure to finally meet the infamous Akuma. My name is Arukenimon." She leaned in close to him. Their noses were close to touching. "I must say you're more handsome than I imagine. It will be a great honor to kill you." Her voice was mature, yet it hold back her excitement. Koji glared. She didn't like the way the enemy talks to Takashi like that. Looking at him like he's the last piece of pizza. The Warrior of Light deeply wished her bodyguard would defeat her quickly so they can resume their day. Takashi seemed unamused by her comment, which Koji was glad to see.

Takashi narrowed his eyes. "You're an assassin hired by Myotismon", he stated the obvious question.

"The order was directly from Piedmon, but I suppose it goes either way since they both despise you."

"Something I'm not surprised about."

Koji gripped her device, already prepared to intervene. Suddenly, her arm was twisted and pulled to her back. A click brought her attention behind her. She slowly turned around to see a black pistol aimed at her! Her eyes widened at the weapon; then, her eyes trailed to the gunman. The stranger was a man who wore a long blue trenchcoat with a long blue hat on top of his head, which concealed most of his face only to reveal a knick of gray skin with one piercing golden eye. His weapon... actually, weapons, which consisted of twin pistols. One pointed at her as the other help in his left hand. "And what becomes of our young bystander, my beautiful assassin?" He asked with sick enjoyment at watching the girl frozen in fear of his gun.

His partner scoffed. "Do not jest, Mummymon. You know as well as I that the human girl is not to be harm."

Mummymon sighed dramatically. "Of course I knew that, my dearest. I wanted to stir up her fear if she decides to "plan ahead"." He gripped his hostage close to him causing her to let out a painful grunt. He pressed the pistol harshly to her head indicating how serious he meant.

"Unfortunately, her companion's fate is much grimmer." With a flick of their wrists, the two fighters leapt away from each other and landed on opposite ground while not taking their eyes away. "Please don't hold back. Since I heard stories of your battles, I longed to meet you... to cut you... to kill you... I am tempted to cut out those pretty eyes and make them into matching earrings." Koji held in her nausea. "After returning Myotismon's bride, I should mention my interest in cutting out his eyes... your head will still be on a silver platter... a request from Myotismon phrasing from Piedmon. I'm certain they wouldn't mind me taking your eyes."

Takashi clenched his jaw. He wanted to rip out her silver tongue and stomp it on the ground. "I don't care what you do to me, but I won't let you or your mummy friend take Koji back to that asshole you call a client!" The mentioned girl softly smiled. She felt touched by his bravado...even though he swore like a sailor.

The woman laughed. "How noble of you; and here I thought you never heard of the definition... let alone follow in its example. I have heard stories of your power." She purred. "I heard you can rip off a mon's head off with your bare hands and drink your victim's blood like wine. Oh how I love to see it with my own eyes." She gushed dreamily.

The Warrior of Light was dumbstruck. 'Can Takashi really do that? I knew he was strong but is he that powerful? I guess there's still many things I don't know about him.' Her eyes lowered. 'Makes me wonder what he's really like.'

The brunet swordsman scoffed as he swung his sword and laid it on his shoulders. His eyes closed. "I don't know what 'story' you're referring to; and, honestly, I don't give a damn..." He opened his eyes. His kind, brown eyes were replaced with cold, topaz eyes. "...but if it's Piedmon spreading bullshit behind my back, tell him to go to Hell... that is... if there's anything left of you..."

Arukenimon smiled maliciously. "Then let us fight to the death!" She swung down her blade. "**Needle Spray!**" An array of thin needles appeared and headed for Takashi. He disappeared. The needles missed by a mere second. He reappeared again but was met with steel heading for his head. He parried the frontal approach and thrust his opponent from him. Before catching his breath, another array of needles came rushing to him. He whispered a quick command. His sword turned into the familiar Celtic mirror and absorbed the needles.

"**Reflect, Kagami!**" Her attack came back to her. The red-clad woman cut every needle with blinding speed. She jumped to him and slashed her sword with his mirror. Takashi clenched his teeth as he tried to struggle her massive force. He pushed her away from him. Using her momentum, she used her needle attack again. He raised his mirror to protect himself, but some of them went to his left shoulder. As he knelt down on one knee, he hissed while clenching his bleeding wound. The floating mirror glided to his side. He heard Kagami's voice trying to calm him down. He couldn't hear her. He was too astonished to believe he was hit.

Koji gasped. "No!" She struggled her arm free, yet she was pulled in against her captor. "Let me go! Takas—mmph!" Mummymon covered her mouth after he put his gun in his coat.

"That should inspired the demon to continue his battle, my Beloved," he chirped, holding the human girl close to him. He held her in a vice grip with his left hand holding her device-holding wrist and his right hand covering her mouth. The bandana-wearing girl tried to remove his hand. The stench of rotting flesh reached her nostrils. The smell of it made her want to hurl and in desperately need to breathe the fresh air.

"Impressive, Mummymon", Arukenimon acknowledged in an emotionless tone. "Take her to Piedmon as fast as you can. Make sure she doesn't escape."

The blue coat-wearing digimon nodded and ran into the forest with his captive in hand.

The tall woman walked slowly with her long sword swaying back and forth. A frown plastered on her purple lips. She was disappointed on how quick her dream battle was nothing more than a fluke. As soon as she was close in range, the floating mirror went up and sprayed her previous attack causing her to move back a few feet. "I see your mirror has a mind of its own", she said impressed.

Takashi staggered slowly. He drew his hand in front of him. Blood. He's... injured. His first injury since... his street fighting days. Oh how he love the way he beat them all to a pulp. The bloodshed was his symbol for victory. In spite of curiosity, he licked their spilt blood-like data. He disgust it. He wondered... what his blood taste like. He licked his hand. 'Hmm', he thought, 'it's bland.' He looked at Arukenimon. He smiled. His fangs glistened in the sunlight. His eyes turned black and his irises turned to feral gold. "**Do you mind if I taste your blood?**" he wickedly asked her.

The red dressed digiwomon felt a shiver he down her spine. What was that? It felt like... fear? Before she ever blinked, the Bloodlust Warrior stood in front of her. His smile spread his face. She couldn't move. In the past, she told Mummymon how she wanted the infamous Akuma to reveal his murderous side and give it his all (his true power, of course). Now, she wondered... if her longings was really worth longing for. She stood there. Not moving an inch, not even moving her sword. The swordsman's reflection was shown on her sunglasses. She wanted to move. 'Move, you fool', she repeatedly told herself.

Suddenly, she felt pain in her abdomen. Her head bobbed downward. The man's arm shot through her stomach. He mercilessly ripped it out. Colorful gooped dripped from his hand and flowed down his arm. If you inspect carefully, you can see a data ring circling his palm. Arachnemon's body fell like a rock. Her body dissolved into a stream of data and flowed straight for the sky. All was left was her hat. He licked the fractal blood. A hint of disgust went through his eyes as he spat it out quickly. "**Your blood is just like the rest whose fallen before you. Not that I'm surprised. You digimon taste like rotten iron.**" He smirked. "**I need an appetizer.**"

_**~BC-Angel~**_

Deep in the forest, Mummymon carried a squirming Koji over his left shoulder. It was a tough fight but he managed to tie her up using brown-tainted white fabric strips. He tied her wrists behind her back and as well as her ankles. He used two more strips (one longer than the other). The shorter one was stuffed in her mouth. It wasn't an easy job, but in the end Mummymon was able to shove the rolled-up cloth ball in. The saltiness flavor dripped on her taste buds. Koji felt like throwing up; unfortunately, the cleave gag kept the stuffing from escaping. The ball was next to her uvula; so, it's difficult to ignore the urge to upchuck her stomach. Since she couldn't move her limbs she couldn't do anything about it. Even when Mummymon carried her like baggage, every step he took felt like the stuffing gets closer to her throat.

Koji kept fighting, though, even bound in rope she continue to fight for her freedom.

"Struggling is futile, little girl", he said, "You might consider giving up." He wanted to give the runaway bride to where she belong and to return to his beautiful assassin who was fulfilling her dream killing.

Suddenly, needles rained toward them from the trees. The blue-clad mon dodged before they strike him. He saw the area he was standing were covered with purple needles dimming brightly in the sunlight. 'How peculiar', he thought, 'Arukenimon would never dare harm me… well, not truly harm me with her powers… There's no doubt about it… something went terribly wrong…

"What have you done with Arukenimon, Akuma!" He cried. Koji stopped squirming after hearing her bodyguard's nickname. Her hope rose up. Takashi will come and rescue and save her. However,a dark laughter echoed around them making her rethink if it truly is her bodyguard who is going to rescue her. "Face me, you coward!" Koji felt herself being lifted off the shoulders and was forced to stand even with bound ankles. "If you don't show yourself…" She felt the gun's barrel thrust to her head. "...you will be cleaning up your human's scattered brain mush on the grass." The Warrior of Light cocked her head to the side as she was pressed against her captor's chest. The tall brunet appeared a few feet away. His eyes were covered by his messy bangs. His right hand was clutching his sword, yet his arm laid limp. His left hand was covered in weird the raven-haired girl couldn't recognize. He, too, was holding a familiar red hat.

Seeing the man he envied, Mummymon sneered. "Are you going to answer me?!" he commanded. Takashi remained mute; instead, he threw the hat at Mummymon. It floated down on the ground. The colorful stains of his fingertips were marked on the rim. Mummymon felt a sickening feeling on the pit of his stomach. He grinded his yellow teeth together. "I'll say this one more time. Where-"

"**She was all talk and no fun**", came his shallow and empty tone that brought shivers down to the girl and digimon. "**I was expecting excitement and thrilling coming from someone who enjoys killing her victims. Looks can be deceiving, doesn't it?**" He flashed his canine teeth. Koji felt chills down her spinal cord. It seemed they became longer and more feral. It wasn't just his teeth that bothers her. His voice was different. It wasn't the same boring, cocky attitude she remembers. No, his voice sounded demonic. It's like he became a completely different person. But Mummymon's statement made her blood frozen.

"Did you…." Mummymon stretched the obvious truth. He doesn't want to believe it…. No, he doesn't want it to be true. His beautiful assassin; his beloved; his enchantress; gone. Gone over a dream of accomplishment. "...did you…" he uttered. "...did you kill...Arukenimon?"

Koji let out a muffled gasp. He killed someone… No, it's not true. It's not him. It's not the Takashi she knows. The spreading grin of the tall swordsman told her otherwise. He had done something… and he enjoyed it.

The demonic Takashi howled with laughter. "**You're not as dumb as you look.**" He lifted his goo-covered hand to his lips. "**I wonder if your blood has more taste than that sorry excuse of an assassin.**" His tongue licked the goo on his palm and trailed it up to the tip of his index finger.

The blue-clad digimon's yellow eyes turned to complete hatred. "YOU WRETCH! I'LL KILL YOU!" He shoved the bound human girl to the ground and pulled out his pistols. Koji landed on her bottom hard. She heard a click; so, she looked up to see Mummymon held out his pistols and points them at the tall brunet's direction. Judging from his carnivore teeth grinning across his face, Takashi wasn't intimidated by the stance. By using his fractal code, Mummymon used it to convey everlasting bullets. He shot bullets blur. Takashi stood in his spot not moving to dodge. With every bullet coming near him, the demonic swordsman slashed and parried them in a whiplashing speed. It was so fast his sword was like a whip bending with his will alongside his arm.

Koji was amazed, yet frightened at the same time. This display of raw power was nothing she ever seen. What creeped her out the most was his smile. It wasn't the same cocky smile she was use to seeing; no, this smile sends winter chills on her spine. She told herself it's still Takashi. The same Takashi she wanted to smack if he charms a female; who has a loving family whose waiting for him to come home to them; who talks and acts like he's the best fighter in the Digital World; the one who keeps calling her princess even when she protest… and… and… and…

… and the same ol' Takashi who promises to protect her after rescuing her from Myotismon…

Where is he now?

The human girl looked back at the fight watching Mummymon huffing in exhaustion; however, the tall brunet standing his ground and appeared as if he didn't waste any stamina. She watched put his sword on his shoulders and laid it casually with a bored facial expression. "**Was that it? I've seen mutts with more bite than you.**" The blue-clad digimon sneered. He was being mock! He will not take Akuma's mockery.

His entire form shifted. His body showed more grey skin and wrapping all over his body. His yellow eye became more visible. His arms were long and had black claws. Metal knee braces were strapped to his lower legs. He wore a brown cap on his head. His guns combined together into a large rifle. The undead digimon pointed his weapon at his bored opponent. "HOW'S THIS FOR BITE! _Necrophobia!_" He fired a massive ectoplasmic blast after pulling the trigger.

Takashi stood there not flinching nor moving an inch. He was going headon. The blast hit him. The debris whirled around the surrounding. Koji closed her eyes to not let the dust and brightness blind her. When she reopened her eyes, there were still dirt in the air.

… Is he… no, he couldn't be dead… The very thought of her bodyguard dying was too much for Koji to bare. She looked down in defeat and fought so hard not shed a tear. She ignored Mummymon victorious laughter. "I HAVE AVENGED YOU, MY BELOVED ARUKENIMON!" He hollered to the heavens. "AND I SHALL WAIT FOR YOU TO REBORN EVEN IF IT TAKES MILLENIAS TO SEE YOUR BEAUTIFUL FACE!"

A wedging sound brought Mummymon's attention. A scoff made his eye widen and for Koji to look back at the heavy debris which was slowly clearing up. "**You call **_**that**_ **a bite? I'm very disappointed in you. I was expecting you to be more challenging than your partner.**" The debris finally cleared up. There stood the Bloodlust Warrior unharmed and not a mark on his body. His sword was stuck in front of him. On the ground were marked and slashed with carved imprints of the energy attack. Koji was awestruck. He survived? Takashi pulled his sword out. "**Then again, I didn't give her time to respond because I wanted to get a taste of her blood. Well one thing lead to another and she dropped like a chopped tree bark.**"

Mummymon gritted his teeth. "Why are you alive? You should be dead!" One blink later, the Bloodlust Warrior was in front of him. A second later, he let out a painful cry. Takashi cut off his entire right arm. The discarded arm flew and landed on Koji's lap. The said girl muffled a yep and wiggled the arm from her lap. Then, the arm dissolved into data. Her chest heaved heavily. It all feels like a nightmare. A nightmare relating to a horror movie she was too young to watch.

The one-armed assassin kept yelling as he clenched his opening wound that wasn't closing due to overflowing of his fractal blood. Takashi was unaffected by the cries. "**The better question is why you are not dead?**" He calmly wiped his sword on his clothed shoulder. "**Now sit there and think about what you done.**" He said as if he's lecturing a child. He walked away from the undead digimon and went to Koji. The girl didn't look at him. She was too frightened to look up or look at anyone straight in the eye. The images of Takashi cutting Mummymon's arm kept replaying in her mind over and over and over again. She hated to admit how frighten she is by thinking back on it. A cold touch on her cheek brought her back to reality. She looked up and paled. Her bright blue eyes were met with cold yellow pupils floating in a pitch black abyss. She never felt so helpless. She didn't notice him gently removing her gag and the stuffing in her mouth until he snapped his fingers. She blinked. "**Oh good, you're not stupid afterall.**" Even if his voice was low and eery, Koji still wanted to smack him upside his head; however, seeing this new side of her bodyguard she didn't want to push her luck. Although, she was relieved to have the awful taste out her mouth. She continued to not say anything as she let Takashi untie her. He finished untying her wrists and worked his way to her ankles. As she massaged her wrists, the Warrior of Light wanted to say something. Anything to show how happy she was… happy… she wasn't happy… She wanted her cocky-headed moron of a bodyguard to whisk her away from danger. She was met with a… a… demon… Her eyes widened. Maybe… he was a de- No, she told herself. There's an explanation for this. If only she had the gull to say those words she wanted to say. She turned her eyes away in time to see Mummymon beginning to act. Her gaped open, but no words uttered out.

Quickly making his move, Mummymon shot his laser gun at Takashi. "ROT IN HELL, YOU DEMON!" Takashi responded by grabbing Koji and dodged. They tumbled on the ground. As they stopped, Koji laid on the dirt as Takashi was on top while said brunet held his sword out. He viewed his area; apparently, it was useless because Mummymon escaped.

The demonic swordsman sighed. "**That cowardly dumbass. I let him live and this is the thanks I get.**" A sweet aroma reached his nostrils. He looked down to see a trickled of blood coming from Koji's nose. The raven-haired girl felt a warm liquid coming down. Her fingers touched the liquid on top of her upper lip and trailed it back to her nose. She drew it to her face and gasped. Her fingertips were dipped with blood. Her nose was bleeding. It must be from the tumbling. She saw her enclosed by a familiar hand. Takashi pulled her hand to his nose and whiffed it. He moaned in delight. He licked her blood causing the girl to be startled. "**You blood has a sweet smell, and it taste just as good.**" Those words gave her chills. He pulled her up and enclosed in her personal space. "**Makes me wonder how you **_**really **_**taste like.**" It scared her even more as he drew her closer to his lips.

"No", she whispered.

A dark chuckle reached her ears. "**No, she says**", he teased, "**Don't girls your age dream about their first kiss.**" He touched her cheeks and drew her face up to his gaze. "**Be honest with me. You thought about kissing this guy, right? I would laugh if you say otherwise.**" He didn't get a respond. The girl was too frightened to look away from those soulless eyes. Traumatized. Scared. Everything was rushing fast through her mind. When she thought about the severed arm landing on her lap, she became dazed.

"Takashi wouldn't…" she slurred, "he wouldn't… let you… get me in danger…"

"**That's true, pup, but smelling your blood is making it hard for me to resist you.**" It was all too much for Koji to bare. Her eyes rolled up and her head slumped sideways. The poor girl fainted. Only one word came out from the demon swordsman: "**Shit.**"

_**~BC-Angel~**_

Sparks of burning wood drew Koji from her humble sleep. She moaned a bit before opening her eyes. She was met with a fire lighting up around her. She sat up and realized she was resting on soft, fallen green leaves like a bedrest. She noticed it was nighttime. She spotted her bodyguard sitting across from her resting against a tree with his arms folded on his chest, legs crossed, and sword between his arms. He seemed… normal… well, Takashi normal…

'Was everything a dream?' she thought mentally. Everything was so surreal. It made everything about her times in the Digital World and obtaining her Ancient Spirit seemed like child's play. She hoped it was a terrible nightmare.

"**You're finally awake. Took awhile for your beauty rest huh?**" She jumped hearing the dark tone of Takashi's voice.

'So… it was… everything from the afternoon… was real?'

"**It wasn't a dream and you weren't hallucinating.**" Koji jerked. She didn't expect him to notice. She felt uncomfortable being with him. She thought his personality shift were not difficult. She thought he has one of those personality disorder. There is more to Takashi than his cocky attitude and impressive swordsmanship, especially powers.

"Are you… are you still… you know… you?" The Warrior of Light felt like smacking her head for saying such a stupid question. However, the new Takashi tilted his head in question.

"**You mean if I'm still Takashi?**" She slowly nodded. "**In a way yes, yet no on both scales. To put it simply, I'm a part of him like your little spirit warrior is a part of you.**"

"That doesn't make sense", she remarked, having her courage return to her.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "**Eh, it's something; look, I would love to tell you everything, but it's not my story to tell. I'm certain you don't need me to tell you about **_**the birds and the bees**_**.**" He chuckled deeply when he saw the girl's face turning red. "**I will say this, though; I'm sorry about nearly stealing your first kiss. I'm sure you wanted the lunkhead to be your first.**" The new Takashi enjoyed making Koji embarrass. "**I have a fetish for blood. I like tasting it, especially the pure ones.**" He gave her a handsome smirk, but it made Koji look away in disgust. "**I like you. You're fun to tease. I see why he keeps you.**" He stood up with his sword in hand. "**I'm going to stand watch for the night. You can rest easy. I'll make certain you're well protected.**" He walked away. Koji held her hand out. She wanted to say something. Questions rolling around in her head desperately wanting to get out. But what would she say? "**Don't bother, pup.**" Pup, really? "**You're not ready to know his truth. His heritage. It's best to be patient.**" Before he took another step, he paused. "**Let me give you an advice: don't get too close to him. You'll be better off going in your separate ways.**" And with that, he vanished.

Koji drinked each word to heart. This new Takashi… she's not use to him… She pulled her legs in and hugged them. His mannerisms, his strength, his power; it's all too much. And his advice… she can't get too close to him? They're better off going their separate ways? Was their a part of him that hated her company? She doesn't know what to do.

She laid back down on her bed of leaves and enclosed herself. She closed her eyes. Then, she whispered, "Takashi… please… come back to me…" After that, she fell asleep.

Unbeknownst to the young girl, the swordsman was not far from her and heard her sleepy plea. He narrowed his eyes. "**Sorry, pup. It's best for you and Takashi to not be together. It's for your own good.**" He sadly looked up at the starlit sky while being on his guard.

_**~BC-Angel~**_

In a dark room of Myotismon's castle, Piedmon glared down at the one-armed living assassin kneeling on the ground as if he was close to kissing it. Mummymon returned to his casual form to report his failure to his client. "Let me see if I got this right… you have had encountered Akuma and the runaway bride, let your partner took advantage and got defeated; he came after you, defeated you, and let you live with your tail between your legs like a scared little In-Training digimon. Ergo, you have not come at a mere inch in killing your target and retrieving Milord's future bride. Now…" His voice became deep and poisonous as though his very spit would sting if it were to be contact with solid materials. "...give me one good reason why _I _should let you live instead of deleting you into nothing more than data speck."

With a brave breath, Mummymon looked up at the jester digimon with a determined glare. "Because, Oh Mighty One, I want to be the one - and the ONLY one - to kill that bastard with my very hand!" Piedmon raised an intrigued eyebrow. He can sense the hatred illuminating from his data. "I want him to suffer after what he had had done to my beloved. I'll make him pay!" He lowered his head. "If you grant me another chance I can guarantee you,,, I will succeed!" A long pause surrounded them. He tried to be patient, but having his fate in the hands of a champion digimon who can slice your throat in a blink of an eye the suspense is overwhelming.

Piedmon gave the offer some thought. On one hand, he could kill him and be done with it; however, he have to open to deciding between buying another assassin or going off to find them himself. He doesn't want to lose his gaining loyalty on his Lord. He suggested if he stays close to Myotismon he can be his loyal bodyguard. Someone he can put his trust on the most… just like old times… before Takashi Kyoraku steps into the Digital World. And, of course, he doesn't want to cause a commotion throughout the castle that might lead to the virus digimon's ear. He wanted to be as hush as possible.

On the other hand, Mummymon can be a useful pawn. His anger for revenge pulsed in his veins. His desire to kill Akuma for killing Arukenimon was tremendous. He can practically follow ANY order. He could use a good subject.

The clown digimon spoke softly. "Rise." Mummymon obeyed. "From the kindness of my heart, I will let you have a second and last chance in succeeding your mission. I want you to kill Takashi Kyoraku A.K.A. Akuma, the Bloodlust Warrior and return the human who possesses the Ancient Spirit of Light, alive and unharmed."

"I accept." The one-armed assassin bowed. "You are most humble, sir." Seeing Piedmon nod, he stood up straight. The jester digimon walked passed him but stopped.

"Mummymon", he called, "come here and bring your weapon." His servant obeyed and stood in front of him. He grabbed his rifle, held Mummymon's shoulder, and brutally shoved the rifle into the stub. The blue-clad digimon yelled. His screams echoed inside the room. "Fuse your code with your weapon, Mummymon. You have better access to triggering it." He released the poor digimon from his grip. Mummymon slumped on the floor while holding his newly acquired arm. The pain throbbed as he felt his fractal code flowing in to the rifle becoming one. "I may be merciful now, but know this: if you fail me the second time and return here in the same act again, I'll not only rip out your arm I'll personally mutilate you into extinction. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal, Sir Piedmon", Mummymon. He felt his client leaving the room. He was alone with his thoughts of revenge. "Just you wait, Akuma", he vowed, "I'll follow you wherever you go and kill you with everything I got. It is time for the Demon Hunt."

**End of Chapter 6**


	7. Demon Brawl Mountain (part 1)

Chapter 7: Demon Brawl Mountain part 1

It was mid-morning is our next scene take place (close to high noon). Our heroes, rather our heroine, was climbing up a mountain. The other one was a scowling tall man walking on thin air. The morning they woke up, Koji noticed Takashi's eyes were back to his usual dark chocolate irises and his voice wasn't dark and sinister, although when Takashi looked at her he said a simple "good morning". The way he said it sounds like he doesn't remember what happened yesterday. He was back to his Takashi-style casual self. The young girl thought if he had no recall of the event that went on yesterday. She even thought about telling him straight out. Problem is that she doesn't know how to present it. She can't just say "Hey, Takashi. How's your morning? Good? That's great! Guess what happened after we encountered Arukenimon and Mummymon. I heard you killed Arukenimon and I watched you sliced Mummymon's arm clean off his shoulders (it landed on my lap while I was tied up if you're wondering where it went). A few seconds later, it disappeared. Oh, did I forget to mention how crazy you were when you sniff my blood? Better yet, you almost stole my first kiss! So... what do we have plan for today?" Takashi could've haven't remember anything or he could pretend to not know what she's talking about.

Honestly, it was getting **really** awkward between them, especially for Takashi. He knew EVERYTHING about yesterday. He felt like he wanted to his kick and chop his ass just for being careless. One sight of blood and out comes out **HIM**. He wanted to explain and apologize to Koji, but he's afraid if she drew back in fear. For all he know he practically scarred her for life!

So it's been how it is. None of them dared to make a move in talking to each other because of both fear and little pride. As they saw a mountain coming to their view, Koji was brave enough to suggest climbing up on it. Takashi was shocked to hear her talk, but he nodded anyway. At least it's something to start with.

"Tell me again why we're going up the mountain", Takashi complained as he tread slowly on air while his young colleague shuffled on the narrow path. He, too, wanted to start a conversation... even if it didn't involve yesterday.

"For someone who is known as the most fearsome and threatening warrior of the Digital World, you whine a lot", Koji commented as she continue to cling onto the mountain. She was also glad they were talking again. If only they have the gull to spill out their thoughts on the previous day. It's best to let it go for now and move on, she decided mentally. "We're going up the mountain to see if we can get a good view of the Forest Terminal."

"Yeah, yeah, I remembered", he chimed. "What I want to know is _why_ you'reclimbing up the mountain when you can ask me to carry you? You know I can walk on air or do I have to remind you that I can?"

Koji rolled her eyes. She enjoyed their same squabbles like before... before... before everything went downhill. She bit her lower lip. Pretending like everything's okay just doesn't feel right. Completely in thought, she took another step but for the ground beneath her foot to crumble causing her slip and lose her balance. Time seem to slow down as she fall backwards until she felt something grabbing her. Koji looked up to see her hired bodyguard carrying her bridal style.

Takashi lean in close to Koji's face. "And falling to your death sounds a like better idea because...?"

The young warrior blushed before she growled. "Falling wasn't part of the idea."

Voices were yelling from above them. "Is someone out there?"

"Please, we need help!"

"It's hopeless.

"Stop being so negative!"

Koji gave her bodyguard a stern look. As if he read her mind, Takashi sighed. "You want to check it out, right?" She nodded. "All right. Your wish is my command." She smiled as she was lifted up by her strong bodyguard. They landed where the voices were coming from: in a small cave. It was small enough for Koji to easily walk through. It was hard to say for Takashi because he's much taller; so, he had to bend down a bit to follow his young companion. Inside the cave, they found a bunch of slug digimon locked up in a cell. Takashi raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you guys Numemons?"

The prisoners smiled at their arriving visitors. "We're saved!" one of them cried.

"Finally!" another yelled.

"I never had a doubt", dubbed one in the back.

"Yeah right", disagreed one from the front, "you were always so negative."

"To answer your question, young man, we're KaratsukiNumemon. Female KaratsukiNumemon", retorted the mature digimon.

"My apologies, ladies", Takashi knelt before the female captives and and smiled softly to them, "I was blinded by your beauties. Whoever kept you here should be punished." All the females gushed at the man's charms. Koji glared at her bodyguard with a small scoff.

She leaned down and put her hand on his shoulder. She added a small squeeze to get his attention. "What do you think you're doing?" she hissed.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" he hissed back. "I'm calming them down."

"Really? 'Cause it looks like you're flirting with them."

"What if I am, got a problem with it?"

Koji didn't bother to answer but had a frown on her face. She stood up. "We don't have time to talk. We need to set them free." The female Numemons smiled widely when she heard the girl's proclamation.

Takashi, unfortunately, was not happy. He grabbed her wrist and looked at the females who saw the gesture and became confused. "We'll be right back, ladies", he said with his charming yet faux smile. "A word, princess." He pulled her away and out of hearing range. Outside the cave, Takashi glared at the bandana-wearing girl. "What the hell are you thinking?"

"Saving them, obviously. What's wrong with that?"

"Everything!" he sneered. "You're a smart kid, princess; think rationally. The keeper will be back any minute and if he finds out his prisoners escaped, he'll do whatever it takes to get them back in and not let them see the time of day ever again. We need to leave them."

She laid her hands on her hips. "Why are you being such a jerk?"

"I'm not being a jerk I'm being realistic."

"A realistic jerk."

He groaned. "Seriously, you can't take a hint that I'm trying to protect you."

"No, you're not!" She turned around. "If you're bent on not rescuing them, I'll do it myself! You can keep watch while I do the _right _thing." The Warrior of Light went back inside, but was held back by her angry bodyguard.

He gripped her wrist. "I'm telling you this is a bad idea." She sternly glared. Then, jerked her hand free and walked inside the cave. He groaned loudly with his arms raised up in the air. "Damn it. She can't listen to reason." He sighed. "The first few words we said to one another and it all went sour. I think I should take a different approach."

"Me think you should go to sleepy-bye." Came a voice from his 3 o'clock.

"What...?" The tall swordsman was met with a hammer. His face made contact brutally with the stone wall. He pushed himself off it. His vision blurred. His eyesight got damaged. He heard a couple of gasps and familiar cry. He rapidly blinked. He saw a short figure pulling a blue shadow who he recognized as Koji. His eyes widened as he saw the short figure threw her from the cave. He jumped off the mountain and followed suit. His eyes were toying with him as his vision got clearer and dimmer at the same time. He managed to see Koji extending her hand. He reached for her hand and caught it. The tall swordsman pulled her close while he twist his body around for it they made contact to ground, he would use his spinal cord to take the hit. That maneuver could instantly kill a human being. Even if Takashi isn't human himself, he can get injured, and possibly die too.

But it's worth it... to save the one person he meant to protect...

What they didn't expect was to be landed in a huge heap of hay. Koji popped her head out first and looked around. She let out a relief sigh. It was a miracle the big heap cushioned their fall.

"Hey, you!" She looked down to see a group of KaratsukiNumemon gathering the hay. The one who spoke was male and in charge with a green mustache. "What's the big idea crashing in our hay! Do you know how long it took us to gather all that hay?"

"I'm sorry about ruining your hard work, but I was thrown off the mountain trying to save female digimon locked away in a cage. The kidnapper stopped me and threw me out."

The one of the male digimon gasped. "Did she say what I think she said?"

The head male nodded. "I believe so." He looked at Koji with a desperate expression. "You must have seen our women!"

"Your women?" 'They must be talking about the women who were captured.'

"Yes, our women were captured by a digimon named Grumblemon. He wants to exchange our women for the mountain's fractal code."

The KaratsukiNumemon on his right slid forward. "Problem is we don't know where it is..."

"...and he took the women until we give him what he wants..." he snail digimon on the left finished sadly.

She nodded, understanding. "Don't worry. We'll help you."

The leader tilted his head. "We?"

Koji noticed her bodyguard didn't get up and noticed she was on top of something soft. 'Please don't tell me I'm not on top of him.' She glanced down and blushed to see Takashi's resting face. She shook his shoulder. "Takashi, wake up. We're alive." No response. "Takashi?" No eye fluttering. Feeling fear coming in, she caressed his head. "Takashi...?" A warm trickled touch her fingers. She drew her hand back and gasped. Her bodyguard was injured... and he was willing to risk his life for her. Her eyes widened. "Takashi, hold on!" She cried. "He needs medical attention, fast!" All the male KaratsukiNumemon were scurrying in panic. "Takashi, can you hear me? Stay with me!"

She heard him mumble. She leaned down with her ear close to his lips. "...I'm...sor...ry, Ran...gi...ku..."

_**~BC-Angel~**_

_Everything he loves was on fire. Buildings were blazing. Subordinates rushing in and out with buckets in hand. He was the cause of this chaos, but he didn't care. He knew he was going to be destroyed anyway; so, why not do something to make his mark?_

_He was in front of the Senkai Gate. It was unguarded. The perfect route for his escape. He took a step at the closed gate..._

"_Taky!" A familiar woman's voice made him pause his step. He slowly turned around not surprised to see who stopped him. A beautiful woman with long, wavy strawberry blonde hair with the same black uniform as him (except hers revealed her massive cleavage) stood her ground with her katana in hand. Her clothes gave off her curvy body. A badge was strapped to her upper arm. A pink scarf was draped over her shoulders. "Why are you doing this?" she exclaimed. "This isn't you! The Takashi I knew was sweet and considerate of others, even if they treated him with disgust. I'm begging you, Taky, please surrender yourself."_

_He let out a low growl. It sounded like a trapped wild animal showing a stranger to back away. The woman was frightened of this act. "And do what, Ran?! Wait for my execution day? I'm tired of being nothing more than an experiment to their eyes! If they want to see me as a monster then by God or Soul King or whoever watches over our pathetic lives than I will gladly do so!"_

_The woman lowered her sword as a saddened expression crossed her lovely face. "Then let me help you, Taky. I know you're more than an experiment... more than a monster... There are people in the Seireitei who would testify your case. If you would come quietly-"_

_He scoffed loudly as he avoided her gaze. "No matter what you do, Ran, it wouldn't change anything. My creator..." He grind his teeth. "...my **father**... would destroyed me without a second thought... it's best if you walk away now before I do something I would regret..."_

"_I can't do that. I was given orders to take you in..." Her lips quivered. "...dead or alive..." Wind rushed past her. Her bright blue eyes widened._

"_I knew you would say that..." He punch her stomach so hard she coughed her saliva and wavered. He managed to catch her before she hit the stone floor. "I have to leave because... because I want to prove everyone I'm more than what they expect me to be. I will be the strongest warrior... I will master my zanpakuto and achieve my bankai; and when I do, I will come back to you... and accomplish the one thing I have yet to achieve before this entire mess began... to confess my love to you... until then, wait for me..." He leaned down, yet he paused at her cherry lips. It wouldn't be fair to steal a kiss from a sleeping beauty, instead he kissed her forehead. He slowly laid her down and calmly walked to the gate. He raised his hand and focused his energy. In command, the gates opened wide. A bright light glowed his small slender form. He curved his head. "I'm sorry, Rangiku." He stepped into the light._

_He heard a small moan. "...don't go...Takashi..."_

_**~BC-Angel~**_

Koji sat patiently as she waits for her bodyguard to wake up. His head was bandaged, but it didn't wake him. She was getting worried. This wasn't his normal sleeping facade. His face was scrunched. He was having a nightmare. It wasn't much she could do. She winced a cloth from a small bowl of water. She carefully laid the folded cloth on the sleeping man's forehead. He moaned, yet he remained asleep.

The KaratsukiNumemon manged to carry Takashi on a gurney made out of leaves and sticks. Their village was in the mountains... as in their homes are on the mountain's side. He was placed in a the floor. Actually, since they were staying sideways, he was lying on the wall. During the entire relocation, he remained comatose in his dreams. Soft whispers of forgiveness escaped his lips...along with a name: Rangiku. The bandana-wearing girl's curiosity peaked. More questions lingered in her mind. She would be lying if a female name like Rangiku whispered through a man's mouth. Deep down... she wished this Rangiku girl doesn't mean anything to him.

Hearing a him murmur, Koji patted the wet cloth on his forehead. She hoped it would sooth him in his slumber. Suddenly, her hand was grabbed and she thrust on the floor. She looked up to see Takashi with his eyes dilating like a feline and his sword raised up like a dagger. He was aiming it above Koji's head.

The young girl knew he was dazed judging from the lack of shine from his irises. "Takashi, wake up! You're dreaming!" she cried.

"I'll kill you!" Her eyes widened. "I'll kill you before you kill me!"

"No, I would never hurt you... or kill you..." Not even if she could. She pulled herself up a bit, but the sword was moved closer to her neck. Carefully, she raised her hand and softly caressed his cheek. "Remember where you are... remember who you are with..."

The brunet swordsman huffed as his sword-raising arm began to shake. Trusting her words, he closed his eyes and inhale and exhale. A moment later, he opened his eyes and blinked. His eyes returned to relax brown ones. He dropped his sword. "Koji...? Damn it... I'm sorry" He moved his hand up to his bedhead hair "...I don't know what came over me..."

"It's okay", the Warrior of Light said, "it's was just a nightmare..."

"...it was more than a nightmare..." he deduced.

She sat up as Takashi gave her her space. "What do you mean?" she asked.

He shook his head. "Don't worry about it." He circled his shoulders. He was satisfied after hearing a harmonic crack. "I'll be more alert the next time. I don't usually get dreams, anyway, so it's a very rare thing for me."

The tall man was about to stand when he was halted by a hand on his chest. "Don't say you're fine... because you're not. Your head was injured from Grumblemon's attack."

He scoffed. "So that's the mon who had the gull to do a sneak attack on me. Remind me to give him a thank you beating if I see him again."

The girl sternly crossed her arms. "Not right now you aren't. Now you need to rest. I'll save the women by myself. You focus on yourself."

"No offense, princess", he ignored the comment "stop calling me princess", "but did you forget another major problem? I'll give you a hint: he's a hired assassin who wants me dead after I killed his partner, for cutting out his arm, and is hunting you down so he can bring you back to your so-called future husband."

Koji lowered her eyes. She knew exactly what he's implying. Images of Takashi's demon persona were visible as a one-way mirror. She continued to shiver from the limp arm incident. She imagined the arm lying on her legs and thought it twitched a bit. She pictured the demon Takashi tasting her blood and he was close to... close to... to... Her eyes widened as she felt her cheeks getting warmer.

"Oooo~ you're thinking something naughty, aren't you?", Takashi teased, noticing her flushed face. "What are you thinking about? I promise I won't hang it over you. Well... maybe, it depends." He leaned close to her.

Her eyebrow twitched as he started nudging his head on the nook of her neck. She puts her hand on his chest and pushed him back. "Like you know."

He snickered. "Let me see if I got what you're thinking."

She looked away as she crossed her arms again. "I doubt it", she stated.

He pretended to be offended by her words. "You wound me, Princess. I am more intelligent than I appear", he said as though he is known as an intellectual scholar." He hummed in thought. "I know you're thinking about me..." He heard a grunt. He took it as a disagreement. He continued, "so you must be thinking something a girl your age would imagine... Let's see... a moonlit stroll on the beach? No, too cliché. Dancing underneath the prism lights with serenade music? Nah, I don't know if you have two left feet. Could it be about...? Oh..." His eyes lowered. He recalled the other day.

Taking in his silence, Koji hypothesized what he's thinking. She laid her palm on his hand. "Takashi", she began, "about yesterday..." They looked deeply into each other's eyes. Just glimpsing into the depths of their irises they know what they needed to say. Before she could uttered her next words, she heard voices coming towards them. Koji picked up a stick and shuffled near the entrance. She raised her wooden weapon as they got closer. Takashi narrowed his eyes. He concentrated on the newcomers's spirit energy. He sighed. They're not a threat, so he decided to lean against the ceiling/wall with his arms raised and crossed over his head. The human girl noticed how laid back her bodyguard became. She raised an eyebrow and gave him a "why-are-you-so-relaxed?" look.

The tall brunet shrugged nonchalantly. His actions told her "it's-not-a-big-deal".

The voices got closer and closer. Koji steadied her weapon while Takashi remained immune. Suddenly, a head popped out. Takashi glimpsed at the newcomer's face. A young boy with sun-kissed skin, brown hair underneath a light brown cap and goggles on top. Koji swung her stick on his head but dodged in a split second.

"Nice dodged there, Tex", Takashi commented as he formed his right hand into a hand pistol. He was glad he was ignored.

Another head popped in the doorway. The tiny boy was a surprised. He was pale-skinned wearing an oversized cap. Nonetheless, he remained still in his position and listened to their conversation quietly.

"Koji, you're here too?" the goggle boy asked.

"You're the people these guys asked for help?!" Koji exclaimed.

More heads appeared. The blonde girl, the full-figured boy, Neemon, and the albino chicken.

"Koji?" the blue boy questioned.

"Yeah~ none of us could find any food either", the goggle-wearing boy said.

Takashi noticed her eyebrow twitching. "Don't lump me in with you guys." The old man Numemon crawled with ease. Koji faced him, "These kids won't be able to help you at all."

The goggle-wearing boy gritted his teeth. "I'll help you right upside the head!" He held his fist up.

The bandana-wearing girl crossed her arms. "You'd hit a girl?"

Takashi snickered. 'This is getting fun, and they still didn't notice me.'

"At least give us a chance", said the small boy Takashi mentally dubbed as Squirt.

Koji turned away with her head held high. "Thanks but no thanks. I mean, look at you. The only thing you guys will do is get in my way." This earned Takashi a questionable glance. So she wasn't kidding on the resting part. She intends to do the rescue mission by herself. "Can I help it that you're not up to my level?" Wow, she must've gain some of his cocky attitude. If Takashi was her father... he would've been so proud of her.

He closed his eyes as he heard Goggles angrily replied, "If you weren't a girl I'll shove that stick-"

The elder KaratsukiNumemon approached between them. "Gentleman, lady, please! Do not fight!"

The albino chicken intervened, "Yes, we are on the same side! I am glad you, dear Koji, escaped from the disastrously..." Takashi vein started to pumped, "distrustful", his vein had gotten bigger, "dishonest", and bigger, "misbehaving", and bigger, "lying, cheating", his shoulders began to quake, "overbearing scallywag who has absolutely no-"

"AHEM!" They looked at the direction of the man sitting on the floor-wall and resting against the ceiling-wall. Bokomon and JP yelped in surprise; Neemon titled his head; Zoey focused his bandaged head; Goggles and Squirt were shocked they didn't see the man resting in the same room and not making a sound. He gave Bokomon an angry smile. "Word of advice, you talking, know-it-all chicken, when talking behind someone's back make sure the very person **isn't** in the same room."

"A...A...Ak...Ak...Aku...Aku...Akum..."

"What's up with you, Bokomon", Goggles asked the stuttering digimon, "it's just another human like us."

"I think he needs to make a call", Neemon suggested.

"IT'S AKUMA!" Bokomon cried in fear, causing everyone to lose balance and falling from the doorway. Taking in the momentum, Takashi quickly disappeared, grabbed Koji's wrist, and pulled her away from the upcoming collision. The said girl was met with his strong chest. A small blush appeared on her cheeks.

Takashi saw the kids and the two digimon dogpiled on the floor-wall, so he looked at the elder and said "So... when's lunch?"

_**~BC-Angel~**_

The newcomers were relieved and excited. They were finally going to eat something to fill their empty bellies. What they didn't expect was to be greeted with a small pile of cabbages. They weren't the average green cabbages you see growing on a farm. No, each one had a different color. Red, brown, and white to be exact. Takashi, being how he is, munched away like there's no tomorrow (the KaratsukiNumemon provided his own batch since he's still recovering) and sat with his female companion in a corner. Koji ate along in silence as she ignored his loud munching.

Goggles and his group looked at the colorful cabbages as if they were expecting them to talk or bite back. "Is this what I think it is?" Goggles was the first to speak.

"I don't know, but it looks like rabbit food", the blue jog suit wearing boy whined.

The blonde girl picked up one of the cabbages. "Well, at least rabbits get to eat. Here goes nothing." She took a bite. A moment later, her face lit up in glee. "Molto bono. Dig in; tastes like steak."

The boys followed suit.

"Mines tastes like chicken!" JP said.

"Mine's like a potato", the small boy concurred.

"Mine is just like an asparagus", Goggles cheered. His friends' faces scrunched in disgust.

"Yuck!"

"Ew!"

"I like asparagus", the goggle-wearing brunet pouted. Then he noticed the man beside Koji stretching his arms above his head as he gave out a loud burp.

"Do you have to burp next to me?" Koji asked, disgusted.

The man blinked. "What? It's a signal. It means I'm full", he retorted, "I'm so full I'm like a stuffed turkey on Thanksgiving Day... without the after cook, of course."

"But can you _not_ do it in front of me, it's disgusting."

He laid down on his back, head resting on Koji's lap, and hands resting on his swollen belly. "Ma'am, yes Ma'am." The bandana-wearing girl lowered her for no one to see her embarrassing face heating up and continued eating.

"How'd they get here anyway?" Goggles asked a KaratsukiNumemon.

"Oh, they fell from the sky", he simply explained.

"They did what?"

"They fell."

"Technically, Koji here was thrown off the mountain", Goggles jumped hearing the tired man talked while his eyes were closed, "I jumped after her and tried to use my body as a collision shield." He pointed to his head. "Grumblemon gave me a whack on my head before going to his captives. I have a knuckle sandwich with his name on it."

"How brave of you to risk your safety", Zoey gushed. JP glared at the napping swordsman, but paid attention to the blonde girl.

Takashi shrugged. "Eh, I would be soulless if I let her die like that."

"Funny, I never expect courtesy from the infamous Akuma", Bokomon sneered.

"Here we go", Takashi exaggeratedly sighed, "I knew sooner or later it was coming. Out with it. It'll make you feel."

"What's he talking about, Bokomon?" Squirt asked.

"Children, that lazy man before you is none other than the infamous Akuma, the Bloodlust Warrior", said Bokomon with a distinct hint of fear and caution hidden in his words.

Neemon tilted his head. "Akumu?"

"Akuma, you ninny!" Bokomon snapped at the confused digimon, both figuratively and physically.

"Bloodlust Warrior?" Goggles asked, giving the tall brunet a disbelief expression, "So you're saying he's dangerous?"

Koji flinched a bit as she recalled the events that can give the World's Strongest Man a run for his money. Heck, he can run for the hills crying for his mother.

"Absolutely!" Bokomon exclaimed. "Akuma was once a street fighter. Picking out fights and beating his opponents like a drum set. Enjoying brawls and collecting bits for satisfaction. They say he grew mad with power and drinks the blood of his failed victims. Later, Myotismon chose him to be his faithful bodyguard for his inhumane power. Legend has it if you were to ever encounter Akuma he will not hesitate to take your life and drink the very blood from your neck!" The children, except Koji, yelled in fright. JP gave Goggles a massive bear hug, which Goggles has had a hard time breathing and escaping from the his friend's grip. Zoey and Squirt hugged one another to ease their scare together. Neemon continued to be in a daze as he thinks whether or not to be scared or asked the smart mon to elaborate the story. Koji raised an eyebrow. The story was cheesy. From the said tale it made Takashi seem like a vampire. She knew his _other side_ has a fetish, but he never stated if he enjoyed doing it.

Movement brought the girl's focus to the man who was sitting up straight. His head bowed low, which caused his bangs to cover his eyes. He turned to the cowering group. His eyes remained shadow. "That story..." he muttered. "...That story is so..."

Koji grew worried. She reached for him. "...Takashi..." she whispered.

His shoulders quaked. "That story is so..." The group leaned forward. Curiosity taking advantage their young minds. "...RIDICULOUS!" The group pulled back as the man howled in laughter. The group were confused. If this man, who was laughing his guts out, was dangerous, he would've done something if he was being accused or tease. But no, he kept laughing until Koji had the audacity to kick and stomp on his head.

"You idiot!" she yelled as she continued to stomp on his head, "you almost scared them to death!"

He caught her next attempt and flipped her on her backside. "Oh lighten up. It's not like I'm going to suck their blood dry or anything."

The angry girl stood up and dusted herself off. "There's a boy who's eight years old. What would happen if he gets bad dreams because of you?"

"Then I'll sing him a lullaby if that helps."

She pinched the bridge of her nose. "You're unbelievably irresponsible."

He grinned. "And yet here you are stuck with me, Princess."

"Princess?" Koji glanced at the kids. She saw how Goggles was suppressing his chuckles. Zoey commented on how adorable the nickname her bodyguard gave her. JP and the Squirt were confused as to why Koji is refer to as Princess.

A small mischievous smile curled on her face. "I wonder why, Taka."

Her bodyguard's smile turned upside down. "Watch it, Missy. Not many digimon live long if they call me Taka."

"Ah ha!" Bokomon declared. "It proves my case on Akuma! He is evil to the core."

Takashi rolled his eyes. "Can it, you albino chicken, or else you'll be the first on my _strangest thing to eat_ list." Bokomon shivered as he stared at his brightly golden eyes. "I always wonder what a digimon with an intellectual mind would taste like. Would you be divine on soup? Mild or darkly roasted? I have endless recipes I want to try out." The small chicken digimon's eyes rolled up and fainted. Takashi chuckled and said, "Well, that gives us a few hours of silence."

Koji heavily sighed. "Once again you're unbelievable."

_**~BC-Angel~**_

After lunch, the group, along with Koji and Takashi were led to a meeting house. Takashi laid against the wall with his arms crossed and his sword in between. His head was freshly cleaned and a new gauze of wrapping circled his forehead. With his eyes closed, he listened intensely to the kids as they were displaying a plan for the rescue mission.

"Grumblemon has the captives in a cave. It's right about... here", he heard his young companion as he also heard a tapping on a paper he assumed was the map of the mountain. "We'll have to get in and out quickly."

The KaratsukiNumemon whined in fear. 'What a bunch of cowards', Takashi thought, 'then again, I can understand their predicament if I can't protect myself if I have no power and if the enemy is much bigger and stronger.' He mentally sighed.

"Just relax", JP reassured the scared lot with a smile, "have no fear; leave everything to us Legendary Warriors!" All the snails gasped and pulled back in terror. Takashi opened one eye to see their frightened reaction. He glanced to the human children. He took note on how confused they became at the snail digimon's expression.

"What's the matter?" Zoey asked.

"You mean... all of you are Legendary Warriors?" the leader dared asked them as his group hid behind him in fear.

"Yeah, in the flesh", Goggles announced with pride.

The snails huddled together, murmuring and whispering in secret. With both eyes slightly opened, Takashi squared his shoulders. Something's wrong... and Takashi's ready to take a stand.

"Hey, what got them so worked up?" asked the small boy.

Bokomon nodded. "Believe me; I'd have trouble believing you're Legendary Warriors, too."

"I bet that they're in awe of us", JP said.

"Ah hem", the elder loudly cleared his throat, "It's time to go to bed", he announced.

"And I say it's time to rescue the girls", Goggles proclaimed as he stood up with his fists raised. Takashi felt his energy pumping with adrenaline. He got spunk, Takashi admitted.

"Uh, no, no; get some rest first and then you can tackle the job in the morning", the elder KaratsukiNumemon said as he tried to convince them otherwise.

"Huh... uh, okay?" The kids stood up and left the meeting room. Takashi, himself, stood up with his sword in hand. As much as he want to sleep, which he really want, the snails behavior was enough to be alert. He was so lost in his thoughts he never notice Goggles going up to him. Bokomon's warning rang through the boy's brain, but he convinced himself the man who traveled with Koji can't be all that bad if he managed to withstand the lone she-wolf's cold personality. "Hey", he waved with a goofy grin plastered on his face.

Takashi blinked, but composed himself. "Yo, Goggles", the goggle-wearing boy shivered as he saw Takashi flashing his carnivorous grin in greeting. He mentally shook his head. "My name is Takuya Kanbara. I'm sure Koji told you about us..."

Takashi glanced up in thought. After a moment of thinking, he replied, "Nope, not really."

Takuya slumped forward. "What? Not once?" He gritted his teeth seeing the tall swordsman shook his head. "That jerk! After I tried to save her the first time we met! Man, what do I got to do to get her to lighten up?"

Takashi raised his eyebrow. 'So she attracts trouble like a magnet... why am I not surprised?' he thought. He shrugged. "Try not to think too hard on it, 'Kuya, it's not arithmetic. Just basic math." He, then, walked passed the confused boy. "Koji's not so bad once you get through her cement stoned wall. She actually nice." He glanced, hearing a chuckle. "You find this humorous?" He raised a thick brow.

Takuya straightened his form. "Uhh..." he stuttered, "sorry... I didn't mean it like it's funny... I find it ironic..."

"I bet you don't know the definition."

He pouted. "Hey! We just met and you assumed I'm an idiot?"

The calm man calmly turned around with a smirk plastered on. "I didn't say your an idiot, but you do give off that goofy, idiotic aroma surrounding you. I can practically smell it off of you." He chuckled seeing the goggle-wearing boy sniff his wrist. "As I was saying, she's not so bad. Koji, I mean. I don't know the full extent of her life, but I know she never intend to be cold-shouldered." He turned to leave.

"Hey, wait." Takashi paused his step. He was in front of the exit. "How did you and Koji meet? I'm pretty sure we all wanted to know how someone who can be more terrifying than Cherubimon ends up with someone who, in her words "I don't need anyone's help"", he mimicked, yet terribly failed, Koji's voice.

"Why don't you ask her?"

"Because, if I'm right, she'll say it's none of my business."

"Then there's your answer", Takashi retorted as he vanished from Takuya's sight.

He stood there. He found it confusing. Akuma, in Bokomon's term, was a cold-blooded killer who drinks blood for the joy and pleasure. Here is a human man who lives in the Digital World for his whole life, had a bad reputation, and decided to travel with a lone wolf. Takuya would've found it cool after witnessing Takuya disappearing into thin air... if it didn't creep him out...

It's like he talking to a ghost... ghosts don't exist... right?

_**~BC-Angel~**_

The sun was setting. The cool breeze hit the small village. The very atmosphere brings out a calming and relaxation sort of mood. However, Takashi stood on thin air outside the guest room where the Legendary Warriors and their two sidekicks rest.

Takashi could not sleep. Something else that would've shocked him. When the KaratsukiNumemon told everyone it was bedtime, he would be the first supportive one in the group; but now... now his suspicions were nagging in the pit of his stomach. He knew he wasn't hungry due to having to eat a huge veggie dinner, even though he wish those cabbages would look like chicken or beef instead of tasting like chicken or beef; the food he ate would suffice his energy for the moment, but the way those KaratsukiNumemons acted was peculiar. It is as if they are holding a small detail to this Grumblemon character.

"Shouldn't you be asleep with the others", the Bloodlust Warrior said to the approaching form.

"I should be asking you that same question", came the response of the young girl he cherish. Koji poked her head through the sideways window, not surprised to see Takashi standing on nothing. She was use to it by now. He didn't return her gaze. "I'm certain you would be all in if a sentence contains sleep, eat, or fight." She placed her arm on the window sill and rested her head on top.

Takashi chuckled at Koji's statement. "Yeah, I would've said **hell yeah **in a heartbeat." His bright humor returned serious. "Something doesn't feel right."

"I know what you mean; when JP said we're the Legendary Warriors, the KaratsukiNumemons' expression...they looked...frightened...like how Bokomon realized who you are. Neemon... not so much reaction."

"Correction, who I _wa_s. Now I'm your bodyguard, Takashi Kyoraku." He notice a hint of pink hue in the girl's cheeks. "Something's big is going down. I need to figure out what."

"_You_ need to figure it out?" Koji echoed.

Takashi raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, me... is that a problem?"

"In other words you're leaving?" Koji tried to contain her growing anger.

"It's not like I'm going on a journey. I just need to squeeze some info." Koji turned away. What's her deal? "Look, I'm coming back-"

"And return as your other self?" Takashi closed his mouth. The young girl's eyes widened. She didn't mean to let it slip out so casually; and honestly, she's not ready to talk about it. She looked up desperately. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean that-"

"No, no. It's okay," he retorted softly. "It was bound to pop up eventually. I didn't bring it up because I thought it would turn out to be too uncomfortable for you; but knowing you, your curiosity bounds to jump in any moment. It's only a matter of time."

"Takashi..."

"I know you want answers, Koji", the girl was shocked to hear him say her name but hold back her excitement due to being how serious he become, "but you have to understand that I have secrets and they aren't just everyday white lie. No. I have more skeletons in my closet that it's hard to shove to in for every dark secret I cram in. They are known as secrets for a reason." He notice how quiet the raven-haired girl became. "Koji, look at me." She didn't respond. He flashed in front of her as he knelt down to her level. He lightly grabbed her chin and slowly forced her to look at his eyes. "I will tell you this, though: you are the first human who saw me as visible as day, even though I've done things that are inhumane and some part of you realized I'm not as human as I appear." He caressed her cheeks. Her face grew warmer as she was entranced how his eyes became caramel to the sunset lighting. "I will tell you my WHOLE story... beginning to end, every detail I can muster... one day I will tell you and ONLY you and no one else, but I need you to be patient with me. Can you do that, for me?" She nodded. "Thank you." He reached to the back of his neck and unhooked a chain; he brought the necklace forward to show his comrade. "This necklace you see here is precious to me. I never took it out for anything. I practically see it as a good luck charm."

"It's beautiful", Koji mused. The necklace contained a small clear oval crystal hanging on a chain. The gem glowed a rainbow hue color, shining more of its beauty. "Why are you showing me this?" she asked.

"Because I want you to wear it." The Warrior of Light gasped. "What? It's not like I'm asking you to keep it or anything. I want you to hold onto it."

"Hold onto your prized possession, why?" she curiously asked.

"Let's just say I have another reason why I shouldn't leave you." He reached and clasped the chain around her thin neck. He touched the pendant affectionately. "I never let this our of my sight."

She, too, looked down and touched the gem. Their fingertips were an inch a part. A slight shock went through their fingertips. Unfortunately, they ignored it. Koji will admit it; Takashi's pendant looked beautiful. She felt strange wearing jewelry. She was never into the fluffy, cute, girly things many girls love. She reached for the clasp. "I shouldn't wear this; it's yours not mine."

Her bodyguard grabbed her hands and pulled them forward. He grasped them together with his hands. They looked deep into their eyes. "I insist", he said quietly. A smirk wormed its way on his lips. "Besides... it brings out your eyes. The rainbow hue brings out your lovely sapphire irises."

Her stomach fluttered nervously. Koji didn't know what to do. She knew how charming he can be but sometimes she wished Takashi to be serious and not be a false romantic. She breathed heavily through her nostrils and avoided his gaze with a small blush looming on her cheeks. "Don't you have some investigating to do?" she questioned.

Takashi raised an eyebrow, mockingly. "Do I have your permission?"

The young girl rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You're old enough to make your own decisions", she replied as she tried to act stern. Keyword _tried_. "Just... be careful... and... try not to do anything reckless, OK?"

He chuckled. "All right, then." He brought her tiny hands to his lips and kissed them. Koji gasped as she quickly looked back at him. His kiss was not too long or too short, but a gentle "see you later" kiss. The tall swordsman gazed up at her. He noticed her brightened raspberry face. "Until we meet again, Milady." And just as those words were said, Takashi Kyoraku vanished from her sights.

Once her bodyguard disappeared, the raven-haired girl heaved a sigh. "I hate it when he does that... all romantic and sentimental..." Makes it harder to resist, she thought. She tenderly touch the gem around her neck. She looked at the slowly setting sun. "Please be careful", Koji whispered before getting back to the others to sleep.

_**~BC-Angel~**_

The scene changes to the meeting room where a large group of KaratsukiNumemon were gathered around quietly arguing amongst each other.

"You should've never brought them here!" argued the elder. "We are more doomed than ever before!"

"We didn't know they were Legendary Warriors until one of them admitted recently", countered one of the snails that brought the group, besides Koji and Takashi.

"We were desperate!" exclaimed the second snail. "We put a sign for heroes along with free food."

"We didn't expect it'd attract Legendary Warriors to our midst", added the third.

"No matter", butted in the elder, "we must do what it's best for our village."

"I've got a suggestion", said a KaratsukiNumemon from the back. They crawled aside as the one who spoke crawled forward. "What about Akuma?" The snail digimon squealed in terror.

"Absolutely not!" objected the elderly leader. "We may be desperate, but we will not stoop that level. That monster needs money to get by... furthermore, if he needed his assistance..." he slumped his body sadly. "We don't know where he is. Rumor has it he stated his resignation by kidnapping Myotismon's bride-to-be and they eloped in the night."

"...he's actually here..."

"WHAT!?" the entire amount of the clan yelled.

"Yeah, I heard his name by the Bokomon who was traveling with Neemon and the Warriors. Apparently, Akuma was the one traveling with one warrior in blue. They were the ones who fell from the sky and we bandaged his head."

"This is perfect!" one yelled.

"We are saved! Again!"

"We must make a deal with him!"

"Hurry before Grumblemon comes!"

"HOLD IT!" Everyone stopped bellowing their screams as the old KarutsukiNumemon crawled forth. "Let's not carry away here. Yes, it's a miracle and an omen to have Akuma walked right onto our doorsteps, but have any of you ever thought he would consider helping us."

"I don't know. Why not ask him for yourself?" Everyone gasped and turned toward the doorway where the very person they were talking about was resting against the wall with his arms crossed, eyes closed, and a frown on his tanned face. "For future reference, eloping involves getting married on the run. Last time I checked, I'm still a wondering bachelor and Koji is too young to get married."

The KaratsukiNumemon clan rushed away from the appearing demon. They pushed themselves against the wall. "Ho-ho-how m-m-mu-much d-dd-d-did you he-he-hear?" the leader stuttered.

Takashi pushed himself off of the wall and put his hands in his pockets. He casually walked up to the cowering group. His eyes remained shut. "Plenty. I know it must really bother you to have your women taken hostage for the mountain's fractal code. You'd do anything to have them back to your tiny, slimy arms. I can understand how desperate you all are", his hand laid on the sheath as his thumb beneath the tsuba, "but mess with my ward and you won't see your pretty women's smile after finally being free."

To add more emphasis to his threat, his thumb pushed the tsuba up with a _clack _revealing a hint of steel blade beneath the blade collar. His eyes opened as they revealed a pair of dangerously golden eyes. "Now... I want some answers; and if I see you all holding back info on me... well, you'll be answering my friend Kagami here." A demonic smirk appeared from his frown as all the snail digimon grew scared by his presence.

**End of Chapter 7**


	8. Demon Brawl Mountain (part 2)

**CHALLENGE TIME! **

_**WHICH BLEACH CHARACTER DO YOU WANT APPEARING IN DIGIMON FRONTIER?**_

_**REVIEW OR PM ME.**_

_**(I HAVE TWO APPEARING NEED ONE MORE AND THEY MUST BE ONE BEFORE AIZEN BECAME TRAITOR OR THE RYOKA INVASION)**_

_**I DEDICATE THIS CHAPTER TO MY BRA, LobaAzul14.**_

_**ENJOY GUYS!**_

Chapter 8: Demon Brawl Mountain (part 2)

(Koji's POV)

Takashi left not so long ago. I wish he would return soon. It's lonely here in this small sideways guest room, even though there are six more snoozing on the same pile of leaves (since the beds are sideways, which is a miracle the didn't fall out of place). I didn't bother sleeping... I decided to wait for my stupid bodyguard...

He can be such an idiot! Thinking he's all macho and smooth with the ladies. Who does that?! He goes off and does all sorts of crap just to show off. The very thought of it makes me want to repeatedly smash his head against a rock! Seriously, how does he survive with that huge ego of his? I know he's a guy, he's much older, and thinks about his testosterone more than his brain... and don't get me started on his sick sense of humor!

...But...

...but... I can't stop thinking about him. All his flaws, the big and the small, I look pass them. Even with his jerk self showing up from time to time, Takashi shows a sensitive and compassionate side of him. I look passed his dark self, too. I mean, **he** didn't physically harm me per say. I still find his blood fetish creepy and I find **his** advice confusing.

Sure, I can't help being around Takashi. He promised to protect me. Every act he's done made my heart beat wildly and I don't know why. Ugh, I hate being a girl! Why can't I be a guy? It'll make everything easier for me. If only, right?

Heh, laughable.

I touched the pendant that laid on the leaves next to me, tracing my finger over the lapping oval shape. I smiled. Right, I can't be myself without him. That dummy knows how to bring out a smile.

I saw Takuya shift in his sleep (I happen to be next to him; great, right?). I put on my blank mask as we made eye contact. I hid Takashi's jewelry underneath my palm. We held our gaze until he spoke softly, "Hey, that's really nice of you to help those KaratsukiNumemon."

I rolled to the other side. "They help me first. It's the least I can do", I relied.

I heard him mutter "jerk" and it became quiet again. I breathed out my relief, but he it was short lived. "Um... can I ask you something, Koji?"

"There's a saying called _peace and quiet_. I'm sure you know what that means", a low growl came behind me, "might as well hear it if I'm ever getting _any_ sleep."

"All right, I'll get straight to the point..." Wow, who would've thought Takuya Kanbara was straight forward. "...how did you meet Takashi?" My breath was stuck in my throat like it suddenly became a solid rock. "I mean, I'm sure I speak for everyone that we're all curious. From what Bokomon said, Takashi is known as Akuma, Myotismon's bodyguard, and a ruthless villain is what I'm hinting at. What I don't get is why you're traveling with him and be all buddy-buddy. Is he taking advantage of you or -?"

"He's **not** evil", I cut him off. "Takashi..." I tried to find the right words without revealing our true objective. I'll be a laughing stock if Takuya or the others realized I was chosen to be Myotismon's bride and we're being hunted down as we speak. "I paid Takashi to be my bodyguard because he knows the Digital World like the back of his hands. I need his knowledge to get by the obstacles that comes in my way." I know it sounds mean and distrustful, but it was the quickest reason I can think of.

"...so you're using him...?" he paused. "I find that hard to believe. I don't know what, but I feel a deeper connection between you two. I'm sure I'm not the only one noticing it."

I scoffed. "Believe what you want, Kanbara. If you don't, then mind your own business." I clenched the pendant tightly in my fist. Damn, why do I have to be in the same room as them? As soon as we finish the job, me and Takashi will go on ahead and search for the Forest Terminal just as plan.

I closed my eyes and pictured me and Takashi staring up at the starlit sky underneath the three full moons. I know it's a girly dream, but it's sufficient. I slept into a wonderful dream.

(Takashi's POV)

I grabbed the KaratsukiNumemon clan leader by the stems of his eye sockets and shoved him against the wall up to my height. His shell made contact with the wall. I think I might've crack it due to the impact. His clan members trembled in fear in a corner, but I didn't bother looking at them. My concern was the cowardly leader squirming for me to release him.

Okay, I promised _Princess _Koji I wouldn't do anything reckless, but in _my_ book it's not reckless if I don't kill the elder and his clan. I will recommend doing something disastrous if I don't get any answers. That's not being reckless... right?

I smiled darkly at my elderly captive. "Now that I have your **full** attention", I said, "why don't you enlighten me on some _needed_ information."

"Wh-wh-why... sh-sh-should... I-I-I-I... tell you... a-a-an-any-any-th-th-thing?" the leader stuttered.

I decided to play along with dropping some obvious hints. "Let's see...?" I tilted my head in a mock thought. "How about the connection between Grumblemon and the Warriors? Come on, it's not advance mathematics seeing you lot cower like a bunch of fraidy cats." With my free hand, I laid it on Kagami.

"_This is unnecessary"_, Kagami's voice whispered in my ear. _"Threatening them will only strengthen your reputation."_

'It's not like I'm on a killing spree... I'm just scaring them a little', I mentally replied to her, 'if it comes to it then I'll be the monster they want me to be.'

"_...what about your promise to Lady Koji...?" _My hand on Kagami twitched. _"You promised you wouldn't be reckless. This rouge you're pondering _**is **_reckless no matter what shade you look into. As of yesterday, you saw how terrified she was. Even as you were possessed by **Takuma**, your other half, you want nothing more than to intervene his wrath. What would happen if he comes out and play?"_

I narrowed my eyes. Apparently I look threatening since the elder screamed, but I didn't care. I had to finish my conversation with Kagami so I can actually get to business. 'I'm surprised we talked this much, but can we take a rain check? I'm a little busy here.'

"_I'm saying be cautious, you dubious asshole! You must remember if you take a hit where you draw blood, Takuma will surely come out."_

'Yeah, I know. Talk later.' I brought my mind back to the living and focus on the elder.

"Start singing", I commanded as I unsheathed my sword, mentally asking Kagami to shift her form. She quietly responded in turning into a tanto. I pointed the dagger at the elder. "And let's not skip any notes. I like to hear the complete version if you don't mind." I drew the Kagami tanto close to his eyeball.

He squealed like a piglet. "I'll talk! I'll talk! Please, not my eyes! I'm begging you!"

I drew my weapon away, but I didn't sheathed her just yet. "I'm waiting..." I said, arching an eyebrow.

"Grumblemon IS a Legendary Warrior!"

It became silent. The clan hold in their breath, even the clan leader himself. I didn't move an inch, not bothering to slice my initials on his face. I drew back the elder off the wall. My expression was not shocked or surprised. It was mostly boredom and expectation. "...is that it?"

My question shocked the entire clan. Apparently, they expect me to be in denial. Truth be told, I had a feeling. Back at the castle, as I was watching Koji as she slept, I was looking through the pages of the book I was reading. Grumblemon's name popped up in the table of contents. I didn't bother reading his tale. Heck, I didn't bother finishing it; period. Point is, I wasn't in the slightest surprise.

The KaratsukiNumemon gaped at me like I gain an extra limb or grew a Satan tail. "What?" I asked. "That's the horrific information you have in secret?" I scoffed. "How pathetic."

"You don't understand!" One of the male bravely crawled toward me. "We have every right to be cautious!"

"Those humans are in league with Grumblemon!" another protested.

I rolled my eyes. "Oh please. They wouldn't hurt a fly... well, more or less" I muttered the last part, but the elder shrieked. "Oh, come on! I'm telling you they're innocent. I speak for Koji because I'm traveling with her. As for the others, I'm certain they also don't know Grumblemon.

"And another thing!" I added. "If Grumblemon IS a Legendary Warrior, isn't he suppose to be a good guy, too?"

"Grumblemon is Cherubimon's henchmen!" The elder exclaimed. "Ergo, it goes the same for the humans!" His clan nodded and raised their voices. Unbelievable. There's no talking to their one track mind. I can get where they're coming; and with what lack of evidence I have and mix it with my reputation as Akuma, I obviously lost the argument. With no other option, I stepped off the elder, dropping him on the floor. "Where are you going?"

"I'm leaving; what else do you expect?"

"You're leaving like nothing happened?" The small male questioned.

"Damn straight. I can't believe I wasted my time for this shit." I turned and walked toward the exit. "I should've save those women instead of coming here. It would've save all the trouble and drama and whatnot. Forget me ever coming and popping up in your secret meeting." I gave them a small wave as I walked.

"We need you!" I stopped walking and looked at the clan leader. I saw everyone looking their leader dubiously. "We need you unless our plan failed."

"Pray tell, what _plan_ do you have in mind?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. I mentally hoped their desperation wouldn't stoop even lower than they already are.

"You may have the weaponry and the experience, Akuma..." No shit, dumbass. "...but we hold the cards!"

One of the clan members beside him leaned close to him. "We do?" he whispered quietly.

"Of course we do", the elder whispered back.

My frown deepened. I turned my body away from the exit and crossed my arms. "Let me guess, you intend to blackmail me", I replied, not relating my sentence into a question. "I'm Akuma, you spineless worms. What makes you think I, demon to the entire Digital World, can be put down like a tamed dog to you lot?"

"Exactly, my point", I raised an eyebrow at the old man's new found courage, "there's a bounty place on your head; word travels fast in our world. Myotismon is searching for you and he won't rest until he gets what he wants. He'll grant us anything we like. Whose to say we won't turn you in along with your human companion? He can grant protection to our clan." His group seemed reluctant by his decision.

I gritted my teeth. "_Desperate times call for desperate measure_ is what I'm hearing." I uncrossed my arms so they lay at my sides. My fingers curled into fists. "You intend to let Myotismon kill me and imprison Koji for God know how long until she becomes Queen of the Forest Kingdom. Then she'll be dispose of like trash." I was angry. It was plain obvious. My aura practically screamed kill. I think the male snail group noticed because they started whimpering again.

"_Takashi, you're unleashing your spiritual pressure!_" Kagami warned me.

"I DON'T CARE!" I yelled, not caring I spoke my mind out for everyone to hear. "THESE WORMS DON'T DESERVE TO LIVE!" I drew my sword and aimed for the elder. Suddenly, my target was blocked... by an identical katana. My gaze went to the newcomer who covered her appearance with a tattered light brown cloak. The KaratsukiNumemon sighed in relief. "Hello... Kagami."

"Takashi", she moderately spoke, keeping a firm grip on her sword; I never see what her face look like so I never know what her expression is, but her voice said it all, "as your friend and zanpakuto I'm concern for your control. Don't bring your anger onto those who cannot fight back. Save your anger for Grumblemon."

We separated off of each other. "What do you have me do? Let them do as they wish?" I asked in anger. "They want to use the kids as flippin' bargaining chips for their women's return. Don't tell me you're going to stand by and let it go if you're in my shoes."

"Absolutely not, I would rather slit their throats for suggesting such an act", she stated as she turned to the KaratsukiNumemon who froze in terror, "but they are doing the inevitable for the sake of their love ones. Look at me directly and tell me you, too, wouldn't resort to their manner."

I stared at Kagami. Damn, she always know the right words to say. I guess I couldn't blame them. They miss their women so much they are willing to do whatever it takes to bring them back. I guess the better term would be _calling the kettle black_. I sheathed my sword while Kagami hid hers inside her cloak.

"We're Plan B?"

She nodded. "Yes, Plan B."

_**~BC-Angel~**_

(Koji's POV)

A soft breeze caressed my face and something tickled my nose. I opened my eyes. I was faced with many strands of grass. I sat up. Somehow, I woken up to a healthy green field. Odd. I was dreaming about me and Takashi being alone; now, I'm at a new location. Am I still dreaming?

Suddenly, something went passed my vision. I turned my gaze at its direction. I blinked. It was a floating mirror. It was medium size and oval-shaped. It was the kind of mirror you would hung in a hallway. Another mirror floated by me. It was a hand mirror with a golden stem. I looked around me. My eyes widened at the vast amount of mirrors of every shape and size.

Yep, I'm definitely dreaming. Mirrors don't float or basically hanging on thin air outside.

I stood up and dusted off the dirt on my clothes. If this is my dream, it wouldn't hurt to explore it, right?

I walked around and about the strange mirror valley. Honestly, it reminded me of a fun house... without the fun and house part. I walked by a tall rectangle mirror. It was about my height with platinum rims. I looked into my reflections. It stared back at me. The surface flashed. When the mirror shimmered again, my reflection wasn't there. It was replaced by Takashi. However, this wasn't the Takashi I know.

The thing looked like Takashi, except the doppelganger was complete white. White from skin tone to the clothes he wears. And his eyes... his eyes were the exact same ones from the first time I saw them. Yellow pupils surrounded on a lack of pitch black.

He smiled at me while sending shivers down my spine. "**Well, well, well. An intruder here in the dumbass's Inner World**", my eyes grew wide as he talked the same tone. "**I knew it was bound to have intruders lingering about, but I never expect it to be you.**" I stepped back. I planned on running away and keep on running. What I didn't anticipate was for that _thing_ to step out of the mirror like he was merely walking through the front door. "**Why don't we have a nice chat until your rogue in ragged robes comes and get you?**"

He reached for my arm, but I kicked him in his manhood and ran. I kept running and not once looked back. As I ran, I passed by many tall mirrors. I caught a glimpse of the reflections. The white Takashi was staring at me **in every single one**. I can tell he was getting bored.

"**Why do they always run?**" he sounded like he was expecting more from me. I didn't want to be in the same room with him. The farther I'm away from him the better.

I managed to run into a forest region. Mirrors still floating around. I rested my back against a tree as I tried to catch my breath. Okay, I think I've had enough dreaming in the looking glass world. I went to pinch my arm hard. I winced. I looked around me.

…

… I'm still here. What the heck? Why am I not waking up?

"**You must be asking yourself why you're not waking up?**" I jumped at the hollow voice. White Takashi appeared in front of me. His muscular body towering over me. "**Why are you here and not with your friends? I'm thinking the same thing.**" His eyes stared into mine. My heart beat rapidly against my ribcage. My throat became dried.

Am I... afraid...? ...afraid of Takashi?

"Stay back, or else!" I warned as I put on a brave face, especially adding my famous glare.

He laughed. "**Pup, you reek of fear! What makes you think you have the courage to go up against me?**" He shrugged cheekily and added, "**I'll give you an A for effort. Now stop playing hide-n-seek and come with me.**" His fingers traced my chin. His fingertips were ice cold.

I pushed his hand away as I stepped off my resting tree and moved away from him. "Leave me alone!" I demanded with more volume.

"**I would love to, however, letting you wonder by yourself in here is a bad idea.**" My heart thumped faster as he came closer. I kept moving backwards as I became farther off his reach.

Suddenly, my heel tripped over a root and I fell... through a passing mirror. I was transported into a dark room. I didn't bother paying attention to my surroundings. My concern was the white doppelganger of my bodyguard phasing through the mirror. He frowned at me.

"**Great; not only did you landed in my stupid half's Inner World, but you managed to go through a mirror**", he said in dismay.

I didn't care; so, I lifted myself off of the cold floor and ran deeper into the dark room. I ran pass black shelves as I gotten deeper and deeper. I turned left and hid in a lone aisle. I closed my eyes as I hold my breath. I heard his steps closing in. I pressed my back against the shelves. I ignored the pain pushing into my back, hoping the shadows could cover my figure.

His footsteps came passed my area. "**Come out, come out wherever you are**", his voice that was once near became lower and out of distance. "**You can't hide forever.**" His footsteps were gone. I released my breath softly as I steadied my thumping heart.

I don't understand. This **is **a dream. Stalking doppelgangers and floating mirrors act as doorways to another dimension... They're not real! They have the examples of surrealism! So why... why am I not awake? I looked up and was met with a jar. A jar... with a stomach inside! I pushed back. I gazed around. My eyes widened at the numerous amount of jars with different varieties of organs, especially discarded limbs that can only fit in a jar. I looked behind me and saw the collection continuing from there. I scampered off of my hiding spot. I heaved heavily as I tried to contain my vomit. Wherever I am I know one thing is certain: this is more than just a dream. I don't know how I know that. It's more of a feeling.

I heard running coming my direction. I was prepared to hide again (even if I had to go back to the same spot), but it wasn't the white Takashi. It was a guy. He had short black hair, pale skin, and dark eyes. He wore a strap bag on his back, but what caught me off guard was his outfit. It was the exact outfit Takashi would wear. He was carrying two canisters of white liquid and the specks inside it seem to squirm if I'm looking at it right. The canisters were heavy looking by the way he was trying to not drop them. As long as it wasn't the doppelganger who caught me it wouldn't hurt to help him out.

I ran up to him. "Excuse me", I called, "do you need help?" He didn't answer. Really? How can he _not _ hear me? I'm practically in front of him. "I said do you need any help?" No answer, instead he stumbled his hold. I acted on instinct as I reached for his arms. "Hold on; I got you." However, his form didn't stop in my arms. He stumbled pass me.

Oh, you don't get it?

Okay, let me elaborate. I guess _pass_ wasn't the right word to say. Rephrase: his whole body phased through me like he was a ghost... or rather, _I'm the ghost_. I looked down at my hands. I can't be dead. There's no way. I feel fine and my body doesn't appear transparent. Maybe when you're dead you only seem transparent to mortals instead of the non-livings. I shook my head of the thought of me dead so soon.

The shattering of glass brought me back from my thoughts. I looked over at the boy who was carrying the canisters. One of them were on the floor broken and glass and squirming white liquid were scattered around him. He managed to hold onto the other canister in his arms. I walked up to him and knelt to his level. He tried his best to scoop up his mess, but he wasn't successful.

"Some mess you have there, huh?" I asked, even though he won't hear me anyway.

"WHERE ARE THOSE SEX CELLS?"

YUCK! I was insisting to carry... THEM! I stood up and shook my arms frantically. I may not touch them, but I feel like they're all over me. I need a bath... perhaps six baths just to get the thought remove. Maybe dip myself in a tub of bleach. It might help... with added skin damage.

"You insolent whelp!" I turned my head at another voice. It was a male with an eery voice. His skin white as a sheet of paper... or maybe it's body makeup. His eyes were small and yellow (it was hard to tell due to the lighting in the room). His face was white and black on the center. He reminded me of a skeleton. His teeth were showing, but I knew he's not smiling. He also wore there golden stubs; one on his chin and two on his ears. A long sideways laid on his head which pointed right. I noticed his blue fingernails. Only his right middle finger was longer than the others. A katana was strapped in front of him... where his... I focused on something else. He wore a white, long sleeve coat over his black robes. The same style as the clumsy boy. There's a certain command in his creepy voice. It made me wonder if he's in a high position. "Look at what you've done!" he yelled angrily at the scared boy. "If you were in my squad, I would consider you to be guinea pig for my next project!"

The boy cowered as he bowed low. "Forgive me, Captain Kurosutchi! It was so heavy I lost my balance!" the poor boy explained.

The captain scoffed. "Obviously." He snatched the surviving canister from the boy after the boy stood straight. "At least you kept one sample alive from its demise. You may return to your squad your task is complete. Give my thanks to Captain Unohana when reporting to her." Kurosutchi dismissed the boy.

The boy blinked. "Um... is that it, Captain?"

"What? Are you daft, boy? You do know a dismissal when seeing one, right?"

The scared boy gulped. His lips quivered. It's like he wanted to say something, but he's too scared to say it. "Forgive me for intruding your business and for overstepping my boundaries, but Captain Unohana told me to ask you about your experiment. You missed quite a few majorities of captains' meetings and you never leave out of your lab. My question is... what is your experiment?"

The "scientist", I felt like it wasn't the best word to describe him, stoked his stub chin (stroking with the hand with the long fingernail). He was thinking... thinking about telling him or not. After a few more strokes, he answered, "I was considering bringing my experiment to the next captains' meeting, but I know Unohana does not like to be rudely ignore. Very well, you shall be the first outsider to witness my experiment coming to life." He turned around, ignoring the goopy mess on the floor. "Follow me and do NOT touch anything. If I spot one fingerprint or an object out of place, you will be my experiment's first victim. Do I make myself clear?"

The boy frantically nodded.

"Excellent." The boy followed the scary-looking captain to a door. My curiosity was peaking. An experiment worth missing a meeting? A captain willing to experiment others? A room, or lab or whatever, keeping organs and limbs in jars? Kurosutchi? Unohana? Where the heck did I end up getting into? I decided to follow them. Hey, I could choose to find that mirror and leave; but, the chance of facing the white Takashi again is a high possibility.

They stepped into the next room. I followed them. I was overwhelmed with an old school computer in front of a glass cylinder tank. It was fogged, or the fog was getting bigger. A young woman walked up to the clown-faced captain. The woman was pretty with her pale skin and green eyes. She did wore a black uniform but hers was close to a short dress revealing her smooth legs. Her hair was light purple was pulled back.

She bowed in greeting. "Welcome back, Master", she welcomed.

"Is everything prepared, Nemu?" Kurosutchi asked.

"Yes, we just need the key sample to plunged it into the creature", the woman, Nemu, replied.

"Ah, yes. The prime key in completing my experiment", Kurosutchi replied as he raised the canister. "Unfortunately, we might get caught with a few... difficulties... due to an _oaf_", he sneered at the boy who seemed to become smaller by looking at the glare. He gave the container to his assistant. "No matter. If this failed, we shall persist to use a new sample."

The boy curiously walked to the tank. I followed him. What is the mad scientist creating? A huge four fingered hand pressed against the glass and slowly wiping the mist inside. A white face leered through the cleared area with its beady, yellow eyes. Those eyes... they reminded me of Takashi when he went – I gulped – bloodlust crazy and when meeting up with white Takashi. Are they... connected somehow?

The boy screamed, backing up from the containing creature. "Captain Kurosutchi, why are you containing a hollow?" Hollow? Why is it called a hollow? I glimpsed at the creature again. The misty fog cleared away revealing the prisoner's soul. It was tall and slender. It was close to a six foot human being. A bleach white mask, which reminded me of a feline skull, plastered on its face. A large hole was located on its chest plate. A skeletal tail swished side to side. As soon as it saw newcomers, it bang its fists against the glass. But no matter how many hits it took, the glass would not break.

"Oh my, my, my; you're very excited today, aren't you, experiment #58", I turned to the mad scientist. The fifty-eighth experiment? I looked back at the hollow. I stared at its eyes. Was it fighting because... because it was scared? "Let's hope fifty-eight is my lucky number. Begin the transfusion!" My eyes widened.

"Yes, Master Kurosutchi", Nemu said as she set the cylinder onto a machine. She went to the old computer and typed in the commands. The liquids flushed out of the canister.

In a matter of seconds, a compartment opened. Inside was a the biggest syringe I ever seen. Judging from the appearance, it looked like a two-handed pistol. Nemu picked up the syringe and walked to the glass cage. The hollow narrowed its eyes and stepped backward. The assistant remained emotionless as she let the tip drilled through the glass. The tip extended its length until it hit the creature's skin. Nemu pulled the trigger and pushed the liquid through the tip. As the liquid was gone, the creature yelled but louder in vocal. I covered my ears at its painful screech. It banged and clawed, and clawed and banged, even body slamming its escape. I wanted to look away but something was telling me to keep watching. After one last punch, the hollow's body slid onto the floor. A heart meter stopped beeping and went flat.

"I'm sorry, Master, but the experiment died due to failure to adapt with the sex cells", Nemu concluded, yet I heard a small hint of sadness.

The captain sighed dramatically. "I had high hopes for this one; it was a promising specimen." He, then, shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh well, now I can see why one canister of sex cells wasn't enough! I need to get myself a low-leveled hollow that way two canisters could bring out the promising powers within."

"That was a low-leveled hollow?" the boy asked after watching the dismay before him.

"Of course not, you imbecile! It was one of the high-leveled hollows I captured during my time in the Rukon District. It showed much promise and potential that I couldn't resist! It was too stubborn to back down so I had to poisoned him." He sighed again. "Now I have to find another specimen. This would put me behind schedule on my other projects, but it'll be worth-"

A bright light caught him off. I covered my eyes. The light was immense enough to break the prison chamber. The brightness dimmed. I uncovered my eyes. The room was a mess. Papers and files were everywhere (which surprised me they were there in the first place)! The computer screen was a wreck! There's literally a hole on it. The machines broke down as they let out steam.

"What a mess!" yelled Kurosutchi. "If this experiment survives, I'll punish it with Ashisogi Jizo!"

A groan caught my attention. I look at the hollow, unfortunately, the hollow staggering to stand wasn't the same creature I witness before. It was a boy! He was short and lean (about the same height as the clumsy boy). He had long, brown hair; it was long enough to pass his shoulders. He was bare chested. In fact, now that I think about it.

…

…

… OMIGOD! HE'S NAKED!

I quickly covered my eyes. How many times am I going to get scarred! Calm down, Koji. Ignore his lower parts and you might survive this endeavor. I breathed in and peaked through my fingers. The boy looked up. His eyes were exhausted and half-closed. Weird; he almost look like Takuya.

I heard laughter. I turned around. The captain laughed so hard it sounded like a buzzsaw. "This is magnificent; truly magnificent! I have reverted a hollow to a whole state! By using a limited amount of sex cell of a powerful subject, I can create a younger replica of the original! I can create a one man army!" He laughed again.

The scared boy with dark hair observed the weak male. "Um... Captain Kurosutchi?"

"Yes, what is it? Don't you see I'm in the middle of admiring my creation take his first breath?"

He bravely pointed. "But there's a hole on his chest, sir." A hole? I looked. It was true. The same hole was there and it never was filled.

"Hmm... I suppose it was due to the incomplete dose of sex cells. Perhaps a few more tests would help find my solution. Nemu, give him some clothes and a room to sleep. We have much work to do."

Nemu bowed. "Yes, master." She went to the weak boy. She easily carried him by his hair and dragged him out the room.

Why am I seeing this? What does it all mean?

"**You should've stayed in your hiding spot.**" The same dark voice that chilled my spine whispered in my ear. Before I can turn around to face him, a sharp pain hit my neck. I was immediately diving into a sea of darkness.

_**~BC-Angel~**_

My eyes snapped open, but I wasn't in the guest room. I was tied up and hanging off the cliff; my upper arms were pinned to my side and my wrist were pulled back as they were boxed in. I wasn't the only one, though. Every last one of us were tied up the same manner. Wait a minute... where Takashi? Don't tell me he's abandoning me – I mean us – I meant US! DON'T JUDGE ME!I looked up with gritting teeth. The snail digimon looked down at us with glares. Those KaratsukiNumemon tricked us!

"What are you doing?" I asked angrily.

"We'll give you back to your partner in exchange for our women!" The leader proclaimed. Partner? What's he talking about?

"You dirty sneaks! Is that why you brought us here?" Takuya said.

"I think it is you who are the dirty sneaks, pretending to be caring, helpful strangers when you're really Legendary Warriors." Okay, now I know we're missing something.

"I don't understand", Zoey butted in, "What's wrong with that?"

"The time for your games and lies is over! Soon you'll be back with your ally."

"Ally? What are you talking about?" I asked. They think we're working with someone? They must be idiots to believe that!

"Don't play dumb. We know you're all in league with Grumblemon!"

My eyes widened as I ignored the loud voice of neglect. I take back what I said. They're not idiots. They're complete MORONS!

A powerful force rumbled the mountain. Then, a hole was blasted beside us.

"Give me Fractal Code or bad things be happen." A voice responded through the debris. In my opinion, the digimon sounded like an illiterate.

"Oh yeah? Says who?" Takuya challenged. I rolled my eyes. Doesn't he see the position we're in?

"Be me and you say me too once you know who I am." The digimon stepped outside his hole. He was small and gnome-like with tan skin. He wore spiky, violet armor over his clothing. A long, orange hat laid on his head with a violet spike ball on the tip. "You call me Grumblemon." I swear when he present himself it's like he was puffing out his chest in pride.

"Look at that symbol", Zoey pointed out with a gasp. I looked closely. My eyes grew wide. She was right. There's a symbol on his chest plate.

"He's also a Legendary Warrior?" Takuya gasped.

I'm so stupid! Why didn't I see this before? It was so simple. The way the KaratsukiNumemon were acting was because Grumblemon is a Legendary Warrior we would report to him like we're his little spies or something.

"Give Fractal Code or else. You not wanna see what else see", Grumblemon threatened.

"I didn't realized there were bad Legendary Warriors", Bokomon spoke.

You're telling me. Guess if we want to stop Cherubimon we have to go through his minions first.

"Grumblemon! If you want to save your allies, give us back our women now!" The leader himself decided to play the threatening game too as he and his fellow members were inching closer to our ropes with their tiny scythes.

"Those knives are a little close there", JP pointed out with a whine. I'll admit I'm getting a bit scared myself. One false move and it's bye-bye us. I bit my lips. Where are you, Takashi?

"What, so?" Grumblemon said, "Me no care what happened to weak human things." My eyebrow twitched. If I wasn't tied up right now I would **beat** Grumblemon grammar lessons into that thick skull of his.

The KaratsukiNumemon clan shared a look. Apparently, hearing Grumblemon say he doesn't care what happen to us wasn't what they were insinuating. I was hoping they would see we were telling the truth; however, I guess wrong.

"If you continue to act this charade, we'll go straight to Plan B!" the elder proclaimed. Plan B? What's Plan B?

Grumblemon laughed. "What be B Plan?"

"That would be me, Stinky." I saw Takashi appearing in front of the gnome digimon with arms crossed.

The gang gasped. "Look, he's flying!" Tommy yelled.

"No way, there's got to be wires or something", JP objected.

I sighed in relief. "He came", I murmured.

There were objections here and there; Bokomon said something about Takashi's "Akuma powers"; Neemon... well, he's sleeping. Wow, he's a heavy sleeper. Yet with all the yelling, Takashi paid no attention to them. I decided not to intervene and looked at the staring contest between Grumblemon and Takashi.

"By the way, I never got to thank you for giving me your beauty mark", he remarked, pointing to his bandaged head with his thumb. "Let's see I can repay the favor." He moved his fingers. A pop came from each knuckle he move.

Grumblemon let out a mock laugh. "Akuma B Plan? Me laugh at idea!"

Takashi glared. "Keep laughing. You might lose a couple teeth."

I blinked. He decided to come _now_? Now of all times? My blood boiled. "Where have you been?!" I yelled at him.

My stupid bodyguard appeared in front of me. The gang stared in awe, yet I paid no mind. I was too mad right now. "What's with the frown?" Takashi calmly said. "I noticed you always frown. You hardly smile. Try smiling once in a while. Frowns will give you wrinkles." He poked my forehead. He's acting like this is a perfect moment to have a lovely conversation! I just want to bite his finger off.

"Then I must look pretty ancient!" I yelled.

"Not to mention you're going to lose your voice with your constant yelling."

"Takashi", I sneered.

He put his hands up in surrender. "Hey, be glad I came to your rescue... for the third time. Now sit tight and enjoy the the show." He disappeared again. I heard the clashed of weapons intercepting together.

I sighed. "Show off."

"Hold on. Takashi is fighting Grumblemon?" Tommy asked.

"Maybe Bokomon was right", Zoey said, "maybe there's a lot more to Takashi than we thought."

"Exactly what I've been trying to tell you!" Bokomon cried.

I looked back at the fight. Grumblemon wielded a long staff hammer with a spike hanging on both ends of the hammer's surface. His hammer clashed with Takashi's sword. Every time they separated they landed on the mountain and pounced off until they clashed each other again. I can tell the way the gangs looked at Takashi. Awed and impressed. I was use to it. It wasn't his full strength.

"Look at him go", Takuya stared in amazement, "I can see why you're bent on taking him as your bodyguard, Koji. He's really strong."

"He's so cool", Tommy said.

"_Magnifico_!" encouraged Zoey.

"Eh, I've seen better", JP added.

I scoffed. "Oh please. This is nothing. He's not even breaking a sweat." Takashi was pushed back from the Grumblemon's forced attack. "Looks like he's getting serious", I pointed out.

"You like bashing people's heads, Big Nose", Takashi grinned, "allow me to transmit the mutual feeling." He threw his sword in the air. "**Imitate, Kagami**!" His sword glowed into a silver beacon as it spun in the air. The beacon stood in front of him. He stuck his hand in and pulled out a long staff. He spun it around. After, he laid the staff on his shoulders. The light fluttered into petal-like skin flakes falling from the staff one by one. It stopped at the edge where it grew bulky and became a hammer.

I was amazed. I thought his katana had the ability to absorb and redirect attacks. It did transform into a mirror, but I never anticipate it to become a replica. Then again, it would explain how Takashi was wielding Arukenimon's sword. It wasn't really her sword just her exact double.

Just when I thought I know Takashi there's still many more secrets about him.

"Whoa! Did you guys see that? His sword transformed!" JP said.

"It transformed into Grumblemon's hammer!" Zoey yelled.

"Awesome!" Tommy exclaimed.

Grumblemon seemed unimpressed. "Tsk. Me don't see big deal. Just cheap copy!"

My bodyguard glanced behind him and stared at his hammer. "You're lucky Kagami is in a pleasant mood; otherwise, and I quote, she would rip out your tongue and slashed it repeatedly." He shrugged the staff a bit. "Her words, not mine."

He appeared before Takashi and threw his hammer down, but Takashi managed to block it with his own hammer. "Big talk from little man."

Takashi glared at him. "Who are you calling little, Shorty."

Grumblemon departed, but spun around making the spike ball on his hat come in contact with Takashi's cheek. The impact forced Takashi to push back a few yards away. A big purplish bruise appeared on Takashi's right cheeky. Blood dripped from his lips. He spat onto his hand.

Takashi grimaced. "You bastard, you broke my favorite tooth."

Grumblemon went to his first spot (which is the cave he made his entrance). "You talk big for Akuma. Me think you no threat at all."

"Tch. I'm just having a bad day. No thanks to you."

"Is it me or does your bodyguard talks a lot?" Takuya asked me.

I rolled my eyes. 'You have no idea' was what I wanted to say, but I chose not to say it.

Grumblemon pulled his hammer out again. "Let's see if you care about human yo-yos, Akuma!" He threw his hammer toward us. We dodged it in time as it made contact with the mountain. The impact shook the snail digimon and one of them lost their grip on their knife.

The knife fell. I narrowed my eyes. I wasn't going to play the damsel in distress. Not again. I bent my legs and kicked off the mountain. The tiny scythe cut my ropes. I was free... and I was falling down.

I heard everyone calling my name, but there was one voice who stood out the most. I stared up my bodyguard who had worrisome eyes staring back into mine. However, it was enough for Grumblemon to take action and attack Takashi. He slammed his hammer against Takashi's body. The powerful force made my bodyguard thrown into another mountain.

My eyes widened. Takashi needs help.

I fished my D-tector and yelled, "**Execute; Spirit Evolution!**"

I grabbed the rope I was tied to and swung Tarzan-style and kicked Grumblemon directly in his face. We added more force to my kick sending us both crashing into a house. I glanced for a second through the window. I couldn't see Takashi through his mountain crashing. I shook my head. No, not now. I had to pull myself together. Takashi knows how to make an entrance and an exit. He'll be alright; he'll be fine.

...at least I hope...

A flash of movement caught my attention. I dodged Grumblemon's hammer. He swung again. I dodged that, too. I aimed my Howling Laser at him, but he dodged before I could pull the trigger. He pounced at me. We collided one another as we crashed through the house we were in and crashed into another house. Grumblemon leaped off me by adding a kick to my stomach causing me crash again.

For a split second, I saw there weren't anymore houses for me to crash my landing. I grabbed the hole's side stopping my fall. I looked up to see Grumblemon grinning down at me. I gave him my 'I dare you to try' glares. He seemed unaffected since he stomp on one of my hands with his big feet. I cried in pain as I dropped my hand to my sides. One more hand to support my entire body.

Was this it for me?

I go down falling into who knows what down there?

Why couldn't this Warrior has the ability to fly?

Takashi... where are you when I need you?

I heard Grumblemon snickering at me. "Two big pains in neck gone. Few more for me to take Spirit!" I saw him raising his hammer. I stared back and hoped he doesn't notice how frightened I am.

But the gnome's hammer didn't came down. I glanced behind him to see what I believed was JP, who turned into a Big Blue Beetle Man, standing tall in his blue and yellow beetle armor, holding up Grumblemon's armor out of reach.

"Careful, you could hurt someone with this", he playfully lectured. He then grabbed Grumblemon and jumped outside while the gnome digimon struggled to let lose the hold.

Soon after, Zoey, who turned into Kazemon, flew in while Tommy, who is now a small polar bear armed like a military soldier, in her arms. The small white bear jumped down and Kazemon peered down through the hole as she threw her hand toward me.

"Grab my hand", she said.

I glared at her hand as if it was taunting me.

"Stop being stubborn and grab my hand."

I sighed and grabbed her offering hand. "Thanks, I guess", I murmured.

She said something in a different, which I'm guessing it means you're welcome.

"Alright", I told them, "here's the plan. While I'm fighting Grumblemon, you free the captives and get all the KaratsukiNumemon some place safe. Got it?"

"You bet", Tommy said with a nod as Zoey nodded as well.

I watched her picked her companion up and flew out the house toward the cave where the women were held captive. I jumped out and landed between Takuya, who was the same flaming salamander man with yellow hair who first appear trying to "save" me, and JP looking around. I noticed Grumblemon was nowhere to be seen.

"What's wrong now?" I dared myself asking them.

Takuya leered around, not bothering to meet my gaze. "We don't know where Grumblemon is", he answered.

"You don't know?" I sneered. How could you lose a digimon the size of Tommy? I mean, come on; he couldn't disappeared into thin air!

Suddenly, a hammer burst through the mountain and Grumblemon followed suit. I aimed my laser gun at him, but Takuya got in my way and tackled the gnome digimon.

Unbelievable! "You trying to get shot?" I growled at the idiotic hothead. Takuya looked at me in confusion, but he got hit by a familiar hammer due to distraction. "You should've let me handle it!"

I leered over the edge and saw Takuya holding onto a rope ladder.

Grumblemon came out of the mountain with his weapon held high. "Peek-a-boo!" He screeched as he slam down. The yellow-haired digimon dodged his attack. The process repeated a few times. JP yelled his friend's name.

I was steadying my aim, but I couldn't get a clear shot. "Get out of the way!" I demanded.

"That's enough!" I heard JP proclaimed as he swooped down and grabbed his friend giving me a perfect opportunity. I steady my aim, but the little annoyance dug back inside the mountain.

I felt like pulling my own hair every time he decided to pull a disappearing act. "Where are you?" I whispered.

"You want guess?" My eyes widened as I turned around in time to see Grumblemon popped out the mountain wall again. For some reason, I felt myself growing slow. I did pull my light saber, yet I felt heavy.

My body grew heavy.

My arm felt heavy.

It's as though someone decided to tie 20 pounds of weight all over me.

"What are you waiting for, Koji?" I heard JP yelling at me. Love to, really I do. Problem is I can't.

"Get out of the way!" Takuya yelled.

A shadow stood behind Grumblemon, just standing there. Not moving an inch.

I knew one person who has that sort of ability. Right now, I'm not sure he's **fully** there.

He tapped the gnome's shoulder. The said gnome turned around with a questionable gaze. The shadow smirked his toothy grin. "**Guess who's back and ready for round three?**" He punched Grumblemon in the face causing the digimon to fall off the edge and into the mountain. Again.

At that point, I would've groan in irritation; yet, my focus wasn't on the evil digimon. I looked back to Takashi's form knowing fully well he wasn't **really** Takashi.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him. More along the line of command, actually.

"**Well... That's some thank you greeting I've ever heard**", he retorted, "**by the way, good to see you again, Pup. You look good. Done something with your hair? I'm not into blondes, but I'll make it work.**"

I bristled. "Now's not the time or place to make jokes."

"**Heh, says you**" he whispered, but I heard it nonetheless.

Ugh, whichever Takashi takes over I know they have one thing in common: they enjoy annoying me.

I was soon brought back from my inner fuming as I felt myself being lifted up. I immediately snaked my arms around something firm and strong. Looking up, I was met with a pair of bright yellow eyes. Then I realized the strong and firm was his neck. "**I never introduced myself before have I? I was too busy tasting your blood. Which reminds me... when can I get seconds?**" I felt heat rushing to my face. I seriously wanted to slap him. "**Just to not confuse you you can call me Takuma; Takuma Kurotsuchi.**"

My eyes widened again (I don't know how many times I did that).

Takashi's other half's surname is Kurotsuchi? Like the mad scientist from that dream I had?

Is there a connection?

Is Takashi... Kurotsuchi's experiment? How...? Why...?

"**But if it makes you feel better, you can call me Akuma... or Daddy... whichever name works for me...**" My eye twitched as I felt something caressing my bottom. How about pervert?

Thunder roared. Rain and lightning soon came after.

A moment later, we appeared before the other guys. "Akuma" had a red mark throbbing on his cheek and he wore a frown on his lips.

Takuya and JP were surprised to see "Takashi" alive and about.

"Wow, you sure get around fast", The blue-armored digimon told Akuma (I prefer calling him Akuma anyway).

Akuma shrugged. "**Goes to show of how annoying I can be for enemies.**"

"Dude, what happened to your voice", Agunimon asked as he desperately tried to hold onto the rope ladder. "You got a sore throat or something?"

"**The impact caused my vocal cord to damage. Thankfully it's not too threatening.**" I'm impress of how he lies so fluently like a second language. Must have had practice. A lot of practice.

"Careful, it's slick", Neemon warned. He and Bokomon were on a cliff where the blue-eyed digimon was climbing his ladder.

"You don't have to tell us that", Takuya grumbled.

I noticed JP flying over to the mountain. Rubble were sliding down like waves on the ocean shore. A moment later, he spoke out loud, "All that rain is tumbling down the mountain like a... Wait a minute. That gives me an idea." He flew away.

My eyebrow went up. What is that guy planning?

I heard a chuckle and looked up to see Akuma looking at Beetlemon with intrigued eyes. "**Big Blue is smarting than I thought. Not to mention clever. Gnomey won't know what hit him.**"

"What do you mean?" I asked him.

I heard a yell. I looked back to JP just in time to see Grumblemon falling down with the rubble. So that's his plan. JP punched the rock wall missing his primal target.

Grumblemon laughed. "You miss!" He taunted.

"Did I?" JP proudly proclaimed. Just as he retorted, rubble fell from the mountain and slid down taking the gnome digimon with them.

I'll admit... he did good.

"Nice job", Takuya said.

"Yeah, it was, wasn't it?" he chuckled. I think he puffed up his chest a bit to show proud his plan worked. Kazemon flew toward us with the polar bear in her arms.

"Koji, I know you want to spend some time with Takashi, but can you focus on the task at hand", Zoey said.

My eyebrow twitched as I noticed Akuma's smile spreading. I tried not look like I enjoy being picked up... truth be said, it's easier said than done.

"**I like the sound of that. What do you say, Pup? Want to do some cuddling after this?**" Akuma whispered in my ear in tease.

Okay, even Takashi's not this much of a flirt! "You're not helping", I whispered harshly. I decided to change the subject. "Where are the KaratsukiNumemon?" I asked the two newcomers.

"There", Tommy pointed.

We all looked toward the mountain next door. A rope bridge was connected to the same mountain we were at to the other. Both gender of KaratsukiNumemon were gathered together. Smiles and screams of glee were shared.

"Boy, it sure must be nice to get back to your family", JP said.

"**I think I'm going to be sick from all the mushiness I'm smelling**", Akuma retorted with a sickened expression.

I couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes.

A bright glow caught our attention. We looked back at the mountain and saw a giant hole on the wall. It wasn't the hole that shocked us. It was the glow of streaming data flowing like a circuit.

"**Is that...?**" Akuma uttered.

"It must be the mountain's fractal code!" Zoey said. Suddenly, Grumblemon popped out again and landed next to the fractal code. "Oh no, Grumblemon!"

"Look like I find what I want anyway!" Grumblemon cheered. Akuma dropped me off with Agunimon at the rope ladder and flew to the gnome. The unsheathed his sword and swung down, but Grumblemon dodged the attack. "And thank you. I never find without you."

"**Well, you're NOT welcome**", Akuma sneered.

"Let's give him one heck of a beating", JP suggested.

"**I'm with ya on that, Big Blue.**"

They both charged at Grumblemon, however, I saw Grumblemon pulled a familiar little statue figurine. My eyes widened. I knew what it means.

"Guys, get back!" I screamed, but my words were clouded by thunder. I believed Akuma heard me because he turned his head slightly; but, it wasn't enough to stop him.

"**Execute: Beast Spirit Evolution! GIGASMON!**" Grumblemon cried. A second later, his appearance changed. His form more taller and muscular than the first. His arms have more muscles than his legs. A horn was placed on his nose. "**Quagmire Twister**", he yelled spinning. We crashed into Beetlemon and Akuma and spun toward us.

Zoey dropped off Tommy as Takuya and I lost our hold. "Hey, grab onto me!" Tommy called us. He melted and plastered himself to the rock wall. He instantly froze himself just in time for us to grab him.

I saw Akuma and JP charging at Gigasmon, but JP got hit again... except Akuma reappeared behind the new spirit. He raised his sword, but was met with two sausage hands slapping together like he just caught a fly in his sight.

"Akuma weak against me now", Gigasmon sniped. He punched my bodyguard. Akuma crashed into Zoey and JP who were carrying Bokomon and Neemon. I got worried as I watched them fall down below.

"**Execute: Slide Evolution!**" Gigasmon yelled. His form shifted back to his first form. "**Grumblemon!** That best you can do. That pathetic. Even make pathetic look good." He was absorbed by a digital cocoon again. "**Execute Beast Spirit Evolution!**" He returned to Gigasmon again. "You joke."

"Wait a minute. What's going on?" Takuya asked.

Spoke the words right out of my mouth. He has two evolutions? How can that be?

"Now I take fractal code!" Gigasmon yelled as he opened his mouth. He took a deep breath and the code steamed into his mouth like he became a vacuum cleaner. The entire mountain shook and quaked and rocks were falling out of place. Without the data, the mountain wouldn't exist.

The sad thing is... we can't do a thing to stop him.

Tommy couldn't hold on any longer; so, his frozen body lost its icy grip and we fell. Takuya and Tommy returned to their human state.

I returned to my human form. I managed to look at Takashi's body who was falling with Zoey, JP, Bokomon, and Neemon. He was unconscious again. I wanted to reach out to him, but with our far distance it was meaningless.

Before me, Takuya, and Tommy fell into a hole in the mountain, I saw a small flicker of silver light coming from Takashi's sword.

**End of Chapter 8.**

**Well... here's Chapter 8 of _The Demon and the She-Wolf_. I apologized for the long wait, it wasn't easy trying to find the right wordings and the detailings. And those who watch digimon frontier will notice I left out a few things. True, it's not exact but it's close to it, except for my OC.**

**The next chapter won't be up for a while due to a couple reasons. One, I off to college so I need to concentrate more on my studies. Two, my job. Hate my job to the core yet I'm still here. And thirdly, I'm going to finish up one of my chapters from my other stories (if you want to know which one, my lips are sealed... stay tuned).**

**Review or PM me on what you think of this chapter.**

**Until then,**

_**Black Cat Angel**_


End file.

Bleach, Digimon, Adventure, Romance